Poland, Bulgaria, and Türkiye advance to the Round of 16 at the World Championship

The group stage of the Men’s World Championship in the Philippines is nearly complete, with just one day remaining. Some teams have already secured their spots in the Round of 16, including Poland, Bulgaria, and Türkiye, each with three wins from three matches. Portugal and the Netherlands also move forward with two victories out of three.

Pool B

Qatar 3–1 Romania (20-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-22)

Poland 3–1 Netherlands (22-25, 25-23, 25-19, 25-22)

Poland secured first place in Pool B of the 2025 Men’s World Championship after a 3-1 win over the Netherlands. The Poles finished the pool unbeaten, while the Dutch settled for second with a 2-1 record. 

Poland edged the Dutch in attack points (53–51) and aces (7–4), with fewer errors (25–29). Captain Bartosz Kurek led with 19 points, while Kamil Semeniuk stood out with 83% efficiency, four aces, and a block. Tomasz Fornal also added 15 points.

For the Netherlands, Michiel Ahyi topped all scorers with 23 points, including four aces, followed by Bennie Tuinstra (12) and Tom Koops and Fabian Plak with 11 each.

Semeniuk highlighted the importance of this tough match before the knockout stage, adding that pressure is part of the game but can be eased with strong plays.

In the Round of 16, Poland will face Canada and the Netherlands will meet Turkiye.

Pool D

Portugal 3–2 Colombia (23-25, 21-25, 25-20, 25-21, 15-11)

USA 3–1 Cuba (25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 27-25)

The United States defeated Cuba 3-1 to top Pool D and reach the Round of 16. Cuba finished third with a 1-2 record, while Portugal advanced as runners-up. 

Cooper Robinson led with 14 points, followed by Jordan Ewert and Gabriel Garcia with 12 each. The Americans dominated in spiking (61–45) and blocking (13–10). Cuba outperformed in serving (6–3 in aces). Javier Concepcion and Jose Masso scored 12 each, while Robertlandy Simon added 10.

Garcia praised his team’s depth and resilience, noting the importance of staying ready throughout the tournament.

USA will face the winner of Slovenia vs Germany, and Portugal will play Bulgaria.

Pool E

Slovenia 3–1 Germany (25-21, 17-25, 31-29, 25-22)

Bulgaria 3–0 Chile (25-17, 25-12, 25-12)

Bulgaria finished the pool stage unbeaten after a dominant 3-0 win over Chile. The Lions topped Pool E and will face the runners-up from Pool D in the Round of 16, while Chile exited the tournament winless.

Bulgaria outclassed their opponents in attack (44–23), blocks (9–1), and aces (7–1). Aleksandar Nikolov led with 17 points at 83% efficiency and two aces, including the match winner. Martin Atanasov added 12 points with strong blocking, and Asparuh Asparuhov contributed 10.

Chile’s Vicente Valenzuela and Vicente Parraguirre scored seven points each.

Captain Aleks Grozdanov praised his young team’s focus after tough earlier matches, highlighting their rapid growth and determination heading into the knockouts.

Pool G

Japan 3–0 Libya (25-20, 25-17, 25-12)

Canada 0–3 Türkiye (21-25, 16-25, 25-27)

Turkiye finished the pool stage undefeated after a 3-0 victory over Canada, claiming the top spot in Pool G. Canada advanced as runners-up with a 2-1 record.

Ranked 16th before the match, Turkiye upset world No. 8 Canada, gaining 16.59 ranking points and moving up to 13th, while Canada dropped to ninth. Turkiye dominated in attack (43–28) and had fewer errors (19–24). Adis Lagumdzija led with 15 points, while Efe Mandiraci scored 12, including the decisive point.

Canada excelled in serving (8–3 in aces) and matched Turkiye in blocks (7 each). Sharone Vernon-Evans, Fynnian McCarthy, and captain Nicholas Hoag led with 8 points apiece.

Middle blocker Marko Matic praised his team’s discipline and progress under their new coach, emphasizing their ambition for bigger goals.