Team Philippines’ Marck Espejo takes on the Egyptian defense during their FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship pool stage match at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Tuesday (Sept. 16, 2025). The team known as Alas Pilipinas won, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, for its first-ever victory in the Worlds. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)
Fresh off its first-ever victory on the world championship stage, the Philippine men’s volleyball team Alas Pilipinas aims to take another historic step by securing a spot in the Round of 16 at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
The Filipinos will face their toughest challenge yet against world No. 16 Iran at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, wrapping up the pool stage of the tournament.
Led by team captain Bryan Bagunas alongside Leo Ordiales and Marck Espejo, Alas Pilipinas stunned African champion Egypt in four sets, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, on Tuesday. The win catapulted the Philippines from 88th to 77th in the world rankings and kept their hopes alive for a breakthrough knockout-round berth.
Egypt and Tunisia, which earlier handed the Philippines its lone loss, both hold 1-1 records and will battle at 1:30 p.m. for the other Round of 16 ticket from Pool A.
Bagunas, who erupted for 25 points in their win over Egypt, said the team is eager to prove that Filipino players belong on volleyball’s biggest stage.
“I believe we can go really far,” said Bagunas. “We can push ourselves and compete with high-level teams. We’re capable of giving our best.”
Iran, meanwhile, rides high after a 23-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-16 victory over Tunisia, powered by 21-year-old Poriya Kandzadeh’s 21 points and skipper Morteza Sharifi’s 18.
“We’ll approach it the same way we did Tuesday — we’re just going to enjoy the game,” said Espejo. “We’ve got nothing to lose. Of course, there’s a bit of pressure since we already won one game, so we still have a chance to make it to the Round of 16. That win really boosted our confidence.”