TEHRAN - Iran edged past the Philippines 3-2 (21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 22-20) in Pool A of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball World Championship on Thursday.

In the match held at the packed Pasay City in the Philippines, Poriya Hossein Khanzadeh and Ali Hajipour led Iran with 22 points, while Bagunas scored 22 points for the Philippines.

Robero Piazza’s Iran lost to Egypt 3-1 in their opening match but defeated Tunisia 3-1 in their following match.

Iran qualified for the Round of 16 as the second team in Pool A.

Taking place in Manila, Philippines, 32 teams from across the world are competing for the coveted title, divided into eight pools of four teams, where the top two advance to the knockout stage.

The tournament continues in SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum in Manila through 28 Sept., when the final will determine whether Italy defend their crown or new champions will emerge.