A dream run not many saw coming had the Philippines finish 19th overall in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
The host nation’s historic victory against Egypt and a near-win over Iran were enough for Alas to finish third-best among the 16 eliminated teams in the group stage.
Only reigning bronze medalist Brazil in 17th and reigning two-time Olympic champion France in 18th were ranked higher than the Philippines.
READ: Bagunas leads six other Alas Men among top players in FIVB Worlds prelims
Among the powerhouse teams the Nationals surpassed in the final classification are Cuba in 20th, Germany in 21st and Japan, the highest-ranked Asian team entering the tournament, at 23rd.
As far as the world rankings go, the Philippines went up and down the pecking order by virtue of losing their opener to Tunisia and splitting their last two pool play games.
Entering the FIVB Worlds at No. 82 in the world, Alas went as low as No. 88 and peaked at No. 77.
But at the end of their breakout campaign, the Philippines is now ranked 81st in the world.
Who would’ve thought?
Philippine captain Bryan Bagunas, who shone in his own right during the tournament, was one proud man who was still in disbelief for what the Nationals achieved in their FIVB Worlds debut.
It might’ve been a cruel end to their campaign, but it was history nonetheless for a young national team that dared to dream and defied the odds in the biggest stage of world volleyball.
“Nu’mng nag-start naman ang tournament, hindi naman namin na-expect na umabot namin sa ganitong pagkakataon,” Bagunas said.
“Sabi nga namin, makapanalo na kami ng first set, history na, tapos nanalo pa kami ng isang game at umabot sa ganitong klaseng game na nag-fifth set.
“Nagka-chance pa akong maka-pass sa round 16 at ito na siguro yung pinaka-memorable na volleyball experience ko.”
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