By Jean Malanum

ASIA’S BEST. Amin Esmaeilnezhad, Asia’s best opposite spiker, will lead Iran’s campaign in the FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship to be hosted by the Philippines on Sept. 12 to 28, 2025. Iran is the second-highest world-ranked Asian team at No. 13 behind Japan (No. 5) in the 32-nation event. (Contributed photo)

MANILA – The Philippines will face a formidable Iran team, led by Amin Esmaeilnezhad, hailed as Asia’s best opposite spiker, in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship set Sept. 12 to 28 at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The national team Alas Pilipinas will open its bid against Tunisia in Pool A at 6 p.m. on Sept.12, to be followed by the opening ceremony.

After Egypt on Sept. 16, the Philippines will battle the young and towering Iran squad at the end of pool play on Sept. 18, both matches at 5:30 p.m.

Games will also be played at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City

The 28-year-old Esmaeilnezhad is one of the most seasoned players on Team Melli, which boasts an average age of 23.8 years and average height of 6-foot-5.

Iran, ranked No. 13 in the world and second in Asia behind No. 5 Japan, is one of 32 nations in the much-awaited tournament, which the Philippines will be hosting for the first time.

Its roster includes former Asian Volleyball Confederation best setter Javad Karimi, opposite Ali Hajipour, and outside hitters Morteza Sharifi, Amirhossein Esfandiar and Ali Haghparast under Italian coach Roberto Piazza.

Just like Alas Pilipinas which attended training camps in Morocco, Romania and Portugal, Iran trained overseas to prepare for the world championships.

The three-time Asian Games champions will hold a one-week camp in Doha, Qatar before heading to Manila, where they play tune-ups against Slovenia (Sept. 9) and Germany (Sept. 10). (PNA)