Philippines' Historic FIVB World Championship Journey Ends After Narrow Loss to Iran

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine men’s volleyball team, Alas Pilipinas, saw their landmark FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship run come to an end after a tight five-set loss against Iran at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday evening.

The match concluded with scores of 25-21, 21-25, 25-17, 23-25, and 20-22 in favor of Iran. Despite establishing a 2-1 lead during the match, the Philippines dropped the fourth set in a close contest and ultimately could not sustain momentum in the deciding fifth set.

With this defeat, the Nationals finished the preliminary round with a 1-2 record. They opened their campaign with a loss to Tunisia but made a notable comeback by upsetting Egypt in their second match.

The team’s performance marked the first time the Philippines qualified and competed in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, creating a memorable chapter in the nation’s volleyball history.

This exit, while disappointing, demonstrated the growth and emerging talent of Philippine volleyball on the world stage. As team captain Bryan Bagunas and his squad continue to develop, fans remain hopeful for future successes in international competitions.