MANILA – The upcoming FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, scheduled to take place from September 12 to 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena, is drawing excitement from volleyball enthusiasts worldwide. The tournament will showcase 32 national teams, including Asia’s formidable Japan, currently ranked No. 5 globally.

Japanese star Ran Takahashi, a fan favorite in the Philippines following his performances in the recent Volleyball Nations League, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. Standing 6-foot-2 and playing as an outside hitter for Suntory Sunbirds, Takahashi said, "We can't wait to welcome volleyball fans from all over the world. Tickets are now on sale! See you at the venues!" He also urged fans to attend, adding, "The top volleyball players are coming to the Philippines for the World Championship. Please be at the Arena. I'm looking forward to seeing you there." Takahashi, who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, also shared, "I'm so happy because we're gonna go in the Philippines for the World Championship. See you soon!"

Japan is placed in Pool G and will open its campaign against Türkiye on September 13, alongside pool rivals Canada and Libya. Tickets can be purchased through the official event website.

The host nation, Philippines, will begin its tournament journey on September 12, facing Tunisia following the opening ceremony, which will feature a performance by the K-Pop group BOYNEXTDOOR. They are also grouped with Egypt and Iran, led by outside hitter Poriya Hossein Khanzadeh, in Pool A. The event is organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation under the leadership of Ramon "Tats" Suzara, who also serves as president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation.

Brazil, ranked third globally and finishing third in last month's Volleyball Nations League (VNL), will compete with Ricardo Lucarelli leading the squad. He encouraged local fans, stating, "Philippines, get ready! The world's biggest volleyball stage is coming soon. Feel the passion, feel the action and the pride in the historic moment in volleyball. Mark your calendar for September 12 to 28!"

Additional powerhouse contenders include Poland, the current VNL champions and top-ranked team in the world, Italy, the reigning world champions and VNL runners-up, and Slovenia, who aim to secure a podium finish after placing fourth in both the previous world championship and last month's VNL. Slovenia's team leader, Rok Mozic, an outside hitter for Verona Valley, invited fans to join the event by purchasing tickets, stating, "I would like to invite you to buy the tickets for the Men's Volleyball World Championship. It will be in September in the Philippines. See you there."

With the world's volleyball elite converging on the Philippines, the championship promises to deliver thrilling action and unforgettable moments for fans locally and internationally.