Japan and the United States are set to field their strongest lineups for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, which opens this month in Manila.

World No. 5 Japan will be led by its proven trio—opposite hitter Yuji Nishida, and outside spikers Yuki Ishikawa and Ran Takahashi—as the squad aims for its first-ever world crown.

Nishida, who recently wed Japanese volleyball star Sarina Koga, rejoins a roster that finished sixth in the 2025 Volleyball Nations League. With its core intact, Japan is expected to challenge reigning champion Italy, top-ranked Brazil, and perennial contender Poland. The Japanese are grouped in Pool G with Canada, Turkey, and Libya.

On the other hand, the Americans are banking on the experience of veteran setter Micah Christenson, dependable libero Erik Shoji, and 2024 Paris Olympics Best Middle Blocker runner-up Taylor Averill. They are determined to end their nearly four-decade title drought, having last captured the world crown in 1986.

Japan begins its campaign the same day against Turkey. Meanwhile, host Philippines, bracketed in Group A with Iran, Egypt, and Tunisia, will open against Tunisia on September 12 as Alas Pilipinas Men makes its first appearance on the world stage.