A comprehensive look at Slovenia, Germany, Bulgaria, and Chile as they prepare for the tournament.
The stage is set for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, with 32 national teams ready to commence their campaigns just five days after the women`s world champions were crowned. The tournament is scheduled to begin this Friday, September 12th.
For the first time ever, the Philippines, a nation with a deep love for volleyball, will host this prestigious World Championship. Matches will take place across two iconic venues in the Manila metropolitan area: the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Asia Arena. A total of 66 exhilarating matches are slated from September 12th to 28th.
This 21st edition marks the dawn of a new era for the tournament, which will now be held biennially, featuring 32 national teams vying for the coveted world title.
The 32 participating teams have been divided into eight pools, each comprising four teams. During the pool play phase, running from September 12th to 18th, each team will compete against its three opponents. The top two teams from each pool will then progress to the highly anticipated elimination rounds. The Round of 16 will span September 20th-23rd, followed by the quarterfinals on September 24th-25th, semifinals on September 27th, and finally, the medal matches concluding the event on September 28th.
Pool E Overview
Match Schedule for Pool E
- September 13 – Germany vs. Bulgaria – 17:30 local time (9:30 GMT)
- September 13 – Slovenia vs. Chile – 21:00 local time (13:00 GMT)
- September 15 – Germany vs. Chile – 13:30 local time (5:30 GMT)
- September 15 – Slovenia vs. Bulgaria – 17:30 local time (9:30 GMT)
- September 17 – Bulgaria vs. Chile – 13:30 local time (5:30 GMT)
- September 17 – Slovenia vs. Germany – 21:00 local time (13:00 GMT)
Slovenia
Slovenia secured their place in the World Championship by clinching silver at the 2023 European Championship, earning one of Europe’s three qualification spots. As an emerging powerhouse in international volleyball, this will be their third appearance in the event. They previously finished 12th in their 2018 debut and remarkably achieved a fourth-place finish in 2022.
Ranked seventh globally by the FIVB, the Slovenian squad welcomes a new head coach in 2025, Italian Fabio Soli. While promising young outside hitter Rok Možič will be absent due to a knee injury, the team retains a formidable and seasoned core. Key players include setter Gregor Ropret, opposite Tonček Štern, outside hitters Klemen Čebulj and Tine Urnaut, and middle blocker Jan Kozamernik.
Germany
Germany qualified for the World Championship as the highest-ranked team among those securing their spot via the FIVB World Ranking. This marks their 13th participation in the tournament, having first competed in 1956. Their historical achievements include a gold medal in 1970 and a bronze in 2014.
Currently ranked eighth in the FIVB World Ranking, the German team continues under the leadership of former Polish player Michał Winiarski, now in his fourth season as head coach. After a period where many key players were rested or had limited game time in the Volleyball Nations League, Germany is set to field their full-strength squad in the Philippines. Their lineup boasts veteran opposite György Grozer, strong middle blockers Anton Brehme and Tobias Krick, and setter Jan Zimmermann, who are expected to be central to their performance.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria, the third European representative in Pool E, also qualified for the World Championship based on their FIVB World Ranking. The Bulgarian team has a rich history in the tournament, having earned a bronze medal in its inaugural edition in 1949, and four additional medals (silver in 1970; bronze in 1952, 1986, and 2006) across ten appearances.
Ranked 15th globally by the FIVB, Bulgaria is guided by second-year Italian head coach Gianlorenzo Blengini. The team`s strategy heavily features the Nikolov brothers, Aleksandar (outside hitter) and Simeon (setter), who are considered among the most talented players to emerge from the country in recent years. Other crucial members of the squad include outside hitter Martin Atanasov and middle blocker Aleks Grozdanov.
Chile
Chile secured their place in the World Championship as one of the top 15 teams in the FIVB World Ranking not already qualified by the end of the qualification period. This entry signifies their return to the event after 43 years, with their sole previous appearance being in 1982, where they finished 23rd.
Currently ranked 27th in the FIVB World Ranking, the Chilean team has been coached by Argentine Daniel Nejamkin since 2011. On the court, the team`s offense heavily relies on its potent outside hitter duo, captain Dusan Bonacic and Vicente Parraguirre. Tomás Gago serves as their most experienced middle blocker, while Matías Banda typically orchestrates their plays as the primary setter.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick