Manila, Sept. 2 -- Crowd favorites Japan and the USA are expected to pull off surprises in the FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship 2025, set to be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart-Araneta Coliseum from Sept. 12 to 28.

Led by Yuji Nishida, Ran Takahashi, and skipper Yuki Ishikawa, the world's No. 5 Ryujin Nippon, will try to bounce back after quarterfinal finishes at the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2025 Volleyball Nations League.

USA, currently at No. 6, will be spearheaded by star setter Micah Christenson, libero captain Erik Shoji, and Paris Second Best Middle Blocker Taylor Averill.

The Americans placed sixth in the 2022 edition of the Worlds. They will be heading to Manila riding the crest of a bronze medal finish at the...