Japan, USA to parade loaded rosters in FIVB World Championship in Manila

September 7 ------ Japan and the USA are leaving no stones unturned as they bring their strongest rosters to the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship set to be held in Manila this month.

The world no. 5 Ryujin Nippon will bring in battle-tested outside spikers Yuki Ishikawa and Ran Takahashi as Japan looks to bag its breakthrough title in the global event. Yuji Nishida, fresh from his marriage with Japanese volleyball star Sarina Koga, will most likely not join the squad despite being part of the pool. Still, Japan is poised to give favorites in defending champion Italy, world no. 1 Brazil, and powerhouse Poland run for their money.

The Japanese are bunched in Pool G alongside Canada, Turkey, and Libya. Meanwhile, the Americans will lean on veteran setter Micah Christenson, seasoned libero Erik Shoji, and 2024 Paris Olympics Second Best Middle Blocker Taylor Averill in their bid to end a long title drought in the worlds. 

The last time the USA won a title was in 1986. Last edition in 2022, the world no. 6 Americans fell to Poland in the quarterfinals to bow out early. But they are carrying a huge momentum from the previous Summer Games after seizing the bronze medal after sweeping Italy in the battle for third place. 

USA is in Pool D with Cuba, Portugal and Colombia. They will open their campaign on September 13 against world no. 41 Colombia while Japan takes on Turkey first on the same day. Host Philippines is in Group A together with Iran, Egypt, and Tunisia with Alas Pilipinas Men kicking off their run against Tunisia on September 12. 

Source: gmanetwork.com