Tough week for European sides in the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League
Review
The second week of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League was packed with excitement, as teams continued to battle for supremacy and playoff positioning. However, none of the 18 participating sides has a perfect record after two weeks, with Brazil (7-1) leading the way ahead of Poland (6-2) and Italy (6-2).
In Burgas, Bulgaria, France emerged as the dominant force, finishing the week with three straight-set victories and only one narrow five-set loss to Japan. The reigning Olympic champions are still locked in a strong battle for a play-off spot, as they hold a 5-3 record after eight matches.
The host nation, Bulgaria, managed to thrill local fans with impressive wins over Japan and Slovenia, but inconsistency plagued their week, as they stumbled against Turkiye and Ukraine, setting them behind in their quest for a spot in the play-offs, as they are now on 4 wins and 4 losses.
Over in Chicago, the action was just as intense. Italy and Brazil stood out as the top contenders in this pool, as Italy opened their week with a dramatic five-set win over Poland and closed by sweeping hosts USA, though they were pushed to their limits in a five-set loss to Brazil, in a battle which saw the South American side in control and leapfrogging Italy in the standings.
In fact, Brazil had a perfect week, with wins over Canada and China in their openers, and a thrilling 3:1 win over Poland in the last match, ensuring that their record is better than their two rivals for the top spot, Italy and Poland.
Reigning European champions Poland conceded their first two losses, 2:3 against Italy and 1:3 against Brazil, their two top rivals before the knockout phase in Lodz, where they will aim to provide a better finish.
In Belgrade, Serbia, the hosts conceded losses against Iran, Cuba, Argentina and Germany, with the Netherlands also conceding four losses, their chances of progression being hit due to these results.
The last week of the pool phase of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League will take place in Gdańsk, Poland, Ljubljana, Slovenia and Chiba, Japan. Seven play-off spots are available, with Poland already qualified for the knockout phase in Lodz.