The 2025 Men's Volleyball World Championship in the Philippines reaches its climax on Sunday with the last two matches, which will determine the planet's medalists. The program begins with the battle for bronze between the Czech Republic and Poland, and the culmination will be the final between Bulgaria and Italy – a clash that promises to make history.
⚔️ Final: Bulgaria – Italy
The clash for the world title will pit two Southern European giants – Bulgaria and Italy – against each other. The match will start at 6:30 PM local time in Pasay City and will determine the new world champion.
Historical Context and Balance
Italy has nine consecutive victories against Bulgaria in direct encounters. Their last match was in the Volleyball Nations League in June 2025 in Quebec, when the "Squadra Azzurra" won 3:1. Bulgaria has not beaten Italy since 2015, when they won 3:1 at the European Games in Baku.
🇧🇬 Bulgaria: The Undefeated Sensation of the Championship
"The Lions" have already etched their name among the most successful teams in World Championship history with five accolades – silver in 1970 and four bronzes, the last of which was in 2006. Now they have already guaranteed at least second place, and the dream of gold is closer than ever.
The Road to the Final was Impressive:
Victory over Germany by 3:0
Victory over Slovenia by 3:2
Victory over Chile by 3:0
Round of 16: 3:0 against Portugal
Quarterfinal: 3:2 against USA (comeback from 0:2)
Semifinal: 3:1 against the Czech Republic
Bulgaria started the tournament ranked 15th in the world but has now climbed to ninth place. 21-year-old Aleksandar Nikolov is the big discovery of the championship – he isthe best scorer and attackerwith 150 points, 133 of which are successful attacks. Captain and middle blocker Alex Grozdanov leads the blocking chart with 17 points, and 18-year-old setter Simeon Nikolov is second among the best setters.
🇮🇹 Italy: Experience, Tradition, and a Thirst for New Triumph
Italy is one of the most decorated teams in the championship's history – world champion three times in a row (1990, 1994, 1998) and title holder from the last edition in 2022. They also have a silver medal from 1978. After the VNL 2025 final, the Italians hold second place in the world rankings.
Their Road to the Final:
3:0 win over Algeria
3:0 win over Ukraine
2:3 loss to Belgium
Round of 16: 3:0 against Argentina
Quarter-final: 3:0 against Belgium
Semi-final: 3:0 against Poland
Middle blocker Roberto Russo is third among the best blockers, while outside hitter Alessandro Michieletto is the team's leading scorer with 82 points in six matches.
🥉 Battle for bronze: Czech Republic – Poland
The day starts with a match for third place between the Czech Republic and Poland. For both teams, this is a chance to win their first bronze medal in the history of the World Championships.
Czech Republic – the surprise of the tournament
As the successor to legendary Czechoslovakia (world champion in 1956 and 1966), the Czech Republic had not reached a semi-final since 1970. Now, the team has become a sensation, eliminating Serbia, Tunisia, and Iran on their way to the top 4. Outside hitter Lukáš Vašina is second among the best receivers, libero Milan Moník is third in digs, and opposite Patrik Indra is third in points with 95.
Poland – the consistent favorite
Three-time world champion (1974, 2014, 2018) and two-time silver medalist Poland dominated the first phase and eliminated Canada and Turkey in the knockout rounds. The loss to Italy in the semi-finals stopped their quest for the title. The leading scorer is Wilfredo León with 67 points.
Schedule – September 28, 2025, Pasay City
| Time (Bulgarian time) | Match | Stake |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30 | Czech Republic – Poland | Match for 3rd place |
| 13:30 | Bulgaria – Italy | World Championship Final |
The two clashes promise top-level volleyball. Czechia and Poland will be seeking a historic accolade, while Bulgaria and Italy will face off in a clash of styles, generation against tradition. For the 'Lions,' this is a chance for the greatest victory in the modern history of Bulgarian volleyball.
Regardless of the final result, the 2025 World Championship will be remembered as a tournament where Bulgaria not only returned to the elite but also showed that it can fight for the top honor. The final against Italy will be more than just a match – it will be a test of spirit, character, and dreams.
