Powerhouse teams Italy, USA, Japan arrive in Manila for FIVB Men's World Championship

Three powerhouse teams have arrived in Manila ahead of their respective campaigns in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship, hosted by the Philippines.

Defending champion Italy touched down on Tuesday, while perennial contenders USA and Japan arrived on Wednesday, just two days before the global tournament kicks off on September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Italians are led by team captain and setter Simone Giannelli, along with outside hitter Alessandro Michieletto, middle blocker Gianluca Galassi, and libero Fabio Balaso.

Italy is aiming to defend the title it won in 2022, when it defeated world No. 1 Poland in the championship match.

World No. 5 Japan, meanwhile, brings plenty of firepower, led by seasoned outside spikers Yuki Ishikawa and Ran Takahashi, alongside lefty opposite hitter Kento Miyaura, as they look to bounce back from a Round of 16 exit in the previous edition.

Team USA is also fielding a competitive roster, anchored by setter Micah Christenson, libero Erik Shoji, and middle blocker Taylor Averill, as they aim to improve on their quarterfinal finish three years ago.

In addition to the three teams, South Korea, Slovenia, Poland, Germany, Argentina, Algeria, Canada, Turkey, Ukraine, Qatar, and Egypt have also arrived in Manila over the past few days. Last week, Tunisia, Iran, Romania, and Portugal also touched down in the country.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News