Tunisia sweep hosts Philippines with a 3–0 win in 2025 World Championship opener in Pasay

Article in collaboration Ivan (from Quezon City) and Danijel (from Pasay City) ©️Volleytimes.com

2025 Volleyball World Championship began with heartbreak for the home crowd, with the Philippines lost 0–3 (13:25, 17:25, 23:25) to Tunisia in their opener match in Pasay.
The hosts, playing in front of a full-packed arena, couldn’t find their rythm as Tunisia, far more seasoned on the international stage, punished every error claiming the first set with a clean 25–13, including a great 10-point scoring run.
Philippines tried to regroup in the second set, showing more resilience, but Tunisia’s composure in attack and defense proved to be decisive once again, sealing it 25–17.
The third set turned into a thriller. Pushed by the home crowd, Bryan Bagunas put down two aces and finished as top scorer with 23 points, keeping the hosts in contention until 21–21.
However, Tunisia’s energy shone through decisive moments of the match.
Oussama Ben Romdhane, who scored 17 points, delivered the key attacks, while Khaled Ben Slimene closed all the affairs 25–23.
Tunisia’s superior blocking performance (10–3) and fewer errors made the difference.

This game was valid for Pool A of 2025 World Championship, won by Tunisia, one of the two African teams alongside the Asian powerhouse Iran.
This group is widely regarded as the weakest pool of the competition, with Iran who stand out as the clear favorite, while Tunisia and Egypt are expected to battle for the second qualifying spot in the Round of 16. Meanwhile, hosts Philippines showed in their opening game that they significantly were underdogs.
With this victory, Tunisia temporarily top Pool A, where Iran and Egypt still need to play their first match.
The Philippines face Egypt next, while Tunisia will take on Iran.
The tournament continues across the Philippines until September 28, with 32 teams fighting for the prestigious world title.

__________

🌏| 2025 FIVB World Championship | Pool Stage

👉🏼Friday September 12, 2025

Pool A | 📍 Manila
• 18.00 (Local Time) | Philippines – Tunisia 0–3 (13:25, 17:25, 23:25)

🏐|POOL A STANDINGS (updated on this day)
1. Tunisia 3
2. Iran 0
3. Egypt 0
4. Philippines 0

NEXT GAMES:

Saturday September 13, 2025

Pool B | 📍 Manila
• 10.00 (Local Time) | USA – Colombia

Pool G | 📍 Manila
• 10.30 (Local Time) | Canada – Lybia
• 14.00 (Local Time) | Japan – Türkiye

Pool E | 📍 Manila
• 17.30 (Local Time) | Germany – Bulgaria

Pool B | 📍 Manila
• 18.00 (Local Time) | Netherlands – Qatar

Pool E | 📍 Manila
• 21.00 (Local Time) | Slovenia – Chile

Pool B | 📍 Manila
• 21.30 (Local Time) | Poland – Romania

__________________

👀|QUICK LINKS
• All International news 🗞️
• FIVB World Championship 2025: Calendar
• FIVB World Championship 2025: All News
• Multimedia
• Facebook
• Instagram

__________________