Egypt pulled off a surprising victory over Iran in a thrilling four-set match at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on September 14 in the Philippines. The African champions won 25-17, 16-25, 25-23, 25-20, setting up an exciting clash with host nation Philippines on Tuesday.
Thrilling Start to the Championship
The match unfolded at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, where Egypt showed strong resolve against a higher-ranked opponent. Iran, ranked 13th in the world, entered as favorites, but Egypt, at 23rd, used smart plays and steady defense to claim the win.
This result marked Egypt’s first triumph in the tournament, boosting their confidence in Pool A. Fans packed the venue, creating an electric atmosphere that added to the drama of each set.
Iran fought back hard in the second set, but Egypt regrouped to dominate the later stages. The victory highlights how underdogs can shine in major events like this world championship.
Standout Players Who Shined
Ahmed Said led Egypt with 18 points, including 16 from attacks, one ace, and one block. His outside hitting kept the team ahead, especially in the crucial fourth set.
Abdelrahman Elhosinny added 17 points, providing key leadership as a team captain. His efforts, combined with Mohamed Hamada’s blocks, helped Egypt pull away late in the game.
On Iran’s side, Ali Hajipour topped the scoring with 17 points, showing why his team remains a powerhouse. Despite the loss, Iran’s players displayed skill that could fuel a comeback in later matches.
Key Moments That Decided the Match
The first set saw Egypt jump to an early lead, winning 25-17 with sharp serves and blocks. Iran responded in the second, taking it 25-16 through better teamwork and fewer errors.
Tension built in the third set, where Egypt edged out a 25-23 win after a close battle. In the fourth, Said and Elhosinny’s attacks sealed the deal at 25-20.
Here are some critical stats from the game:
- Egypt’s total points: 91
- Iran’s total points: 85
- Egypt’s attack efficiency: 48%
- Iran’s blocks: 8 (compared to Egypt’s 10)
These numbers show how Egypt’s defense made the difference in tight spots.
Upcoming Clash with Philippines
Egypt now turns focus to their Tuesday match against Alas Pilipinas, the host team eager for a win after an opening loss. This game at the same arena could draw even larger crowds, given the home support.
Philippines fell to Tunisia 25-13, 25-17, 25-23 in their debut, but they showed promise with spirited plays. Egypt’s momentum might give them an edge, but the hosts could surprise with local energy.
Experts predict a competitive matchup, as both teams aim to advance from Pool A. Egypt’s recent form suggests they could build on this upset.
Broader Tournament Highlights
Other pools saw exciting action too. In Group C, Argentina rallied to beat Finland 19-25, 18-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-11 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Belgium topped Group F with a straight-sets win over Ukraine, 25-16, 25-17, 25-22. These results shake up the early standings.
The championship, hosted in the Philippines for the first time, features 32 teams vying for the title. Powerhouses like Brazil and Serbia also started strong in their groups.
| Pool | Team | Wins | Losses | Next Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Egypt | 1 | 0 | Philippines (Sept 16) |
| A | Tunisia | 1 | 0 | Iran (Sept 16) |
| A | Iran | 0 | 1 | Tunisia (Sept 16) |
| A | Philippines | 0 | 1 | Egypt (Sept 16) |
| C | Argentina | 1 | 0 | TBD |
| F | Belgium | 1 | 0 | TBD |
This table outlines Pool A standings and select others, showing the tight race ahead.
What This Means for the Teams
Egypt’s win boosts their chances of reaching the knockout stages, a goal they’ve chased since strong showings in African qualifiers. It also drops Iran to 15th in world rankings temporarily, adding pressure for their next game.
For fans, this upset proves the tournament’s unpredictability, much like Japan’s recent close calls against top teams. As matches continue through September, more surprises could emerge.
Share your thoughts on this match or predictions for Egypt versus Philippines in the comments below. Follow for more updates on the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
