The countdown is on for the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, set to take place in Pasay and Quezon City, Philippines this September. For fans of the sport, it’s one of the most exciting tournaments on the calendar, gathering the 32 best teams from around the globe to fight for the crown. Everyone knows that perennial giants like Italy, Poland, Brazil, and Serbia will come in as favorites, but history tells us that the World Championship is never just about the usual suspects. There are always dark horses—teams that, on paper, might not seem like medal contenders but who find the form, chemistry, and spirit to shake up the established order.
This year, the expansion from 24 to 32 teams makes that possibility even greater. More nations than ever have the chance to make a run, and with the shorter recovery times and packed schedules, the conditions are perfect for a surprise story. So who could be the black horses of the 2025 edition?
Why Dark Horses Matter
Fans love an underdog story, and volleyball has produced plenty of them. These surprise teams bring three key ingredients to the tournament:
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High Stakes, High Drama – When a top team is suddenly on the ropes against an underestimated opponent, it makes the competition electric.
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Depth of Competition – More strong mid-level teams mean tighter pools and fewer “easy” matches for the traditional favorites.
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Emerging Talent – Dark horse runs often introduce new stars to the global stage, players who can turn into household names overnight.
The Teams to Watch
Iran remains the most talked-about outsider. Over the last decade, Iran has developed into a constant presence in world volleyball, and while they’ve never been on the podium, they have shown they can push anyone. Led by the explosive opposite Amin Esmaeilnezhad, Iran combines creativity, technical ball control, and fearlessness in attack. They can be streaky, but if they hit top form, no team will enjoy facing them.
Bulgaria is another team worth keeping a close eye on. The Bulgarians are not new to the international stage—they have a long volleyball tradition and a passionate fan base—but they haven’t been in the medal conversation for years. Still, this squad blends upcoming young players with experienced veterans who know what it takes to compete at the highest level. Their physicality at the net, especially in blocking and power serving, can be disruptive even to top-ranked teams. If Bulgaria finds confidence early in the tournament, they could cause several upsets and make a deeper run than many expect.
Slovenia may not be a complete unknown, but they still fit the dark horse tag. In recent years, Slovenia has been punching above its weight, reaching the finals of the European Championship multiple times and consistently challenging the elite. Their system is polished, their teamwork is tight, and their players like Klemen Čebulj and Tine Urnaut have proven they can rise to big occasions. If they carry over their European success to the world stage, a semifinal is not out of the question.
And then there’s the host Philippines. On paper, they are nowhere near the medal contenders, but history has shown that home teams often overperform, driven by the energy of their supporters. The Philippines will be making their first-ever World Championship appearance, and while expectations are modest, the atmosphere in packed arenas could push them to fight harder and perhaps even claim a surprising victory against an established nation. For fans, that would be a historic and emotional highlight of the tournament.
What This Means for the Tournament
These potential dark horses bring unpredictability, and unpredictability is the heartbeat of any major sporting event. If Iran or Bulgaria topple a powerhouse in the early rounds, it changes the entire playoff bracket. If Slovenia carries its EuroVolley momentum onto the world stage, it puts pressure on traditional leaders. And if the Philippines claim even a single upset win, it would light up headlines and energize local fans in a way that would define the tournament’s legacy in the country.
The Bigger Picture
While the spotlight will remain on favorites like Italy—defending champions with stars such as Simone Giannelli and Alessandro Michieletto—the dark horses are what give the competition its soul. They remind us that volleyball is not just about reputation, but about performance in the moment. In a long tournament where pressure mounts daily, even giants can stumble, and when they do, the dark horses are there to pounce.
So as the first serve is struck in September, keep an eye not only on the favorites but also on those hungry outsiders. Because when history is written, it’s often the surprise runs, the unexpected victories, and the fearless performances of underdogs that we remember most.
And for those who like to add a little extra excitement off the court, following odds and live lines has become part of the fan experience. Whether you’re simply tracking predictions or looking for entertainment options, don’t forget to check out the best Missouri online casino sites—they offer solid platforms where fans can ride the same thrill of unpredictability that makes the World Championship so unforgettable.
