The group stage of the 2025 Men`s Volleyball World Championship, hosted in the Philippines, concluded with a series of dramatic encounters. The final day saw significant upsets, including the elimination of two-time Olympic champions France after a five-set loss to Argentina. Despite the unexpected departures, the stage was also set by several positive surprises.
Pool A Highlights
Egypt – Tunisia 0 – 3 (19–25, 18–25, 22–25)
Philippines – Iran 2 – 3 (25–21, 21–25, 25–17, 23–25, 20–22)
Iran secured their place in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Men`s Volleyball World Championship following a thrilling 3-2 victory against the host nation, the Philippines. The home team had multiple chances, squandering six match points, including a 20-18 lead in the decisive tie-break. Iran capitalized on this, with a crucial block from 22-year-old Yousef Kazemi Poshtpari sealing their remarkable comeback.
Statistically, Iran narrowly led in attacks (63-62) and aces (6-5). Poriya Khanzadeh and Ali Hajipour were instrumental for Iran, each contributing 22 points, a total matched by the Philippines` captain, Bryan Bagunas. Leo Ordiales added 21 points for the hosts, while Marck Espejo (15) and Kim Malabunga (10) also reached double-digit scores.
Despite coach Roberto Piazza acknowledging his team`s struggles with pressure, he commended Iran`s tenacious spirit. The Philippines, after an initial historic win in the tournament, faced a heartbreaking elimination.
Pool C Highlights
France – Argentina 2 – 3 (26–28, 23–25, 25–21, 25–20, 12–15)
The 2025 World Championship saw a major upset in Quezon City as two-time Olympic champions France were knocked out after a gripping 3-2 defeat by Argentina. Argentina maintained their undefeated streak in Pool C and are now set to face Italy in the playoffs.
Finland also advanced, securing second place in the pool with a 2-1 record, and will compete against Belgium in the next round.
Argentina`s 3-2 victory was built on a robust defense, demonstrated by an 11-5 advantage in kill blocks and fewer unforced errors compared to France. Luciano Vicentin was the top scorer with 22 points, with valuable contributions from Luciano Palonsky (17) and Agustin Loser (12).
Despite leading in attacks (71-62) and aces (3-2), France`s efforts fell short. Trevor Clevenot recorded 16 points, Theo Faure added 13, and both Barthelemy Chinenyeze and Nicolas Le Goff contributed 11 points each.
Finland – Korea 3 – 1 (25–18, 25–23, 17–25, 25–21)
Finland clinched second position in Group C after defeating Korea 3-1 in their final group stage match. The Finns outperformed Korea in attack (62-54) and blocks (10-9) but trailed in aces (4-5). They also recorded more errors (19) than Korea (16).
Luka Marttila and Joonas Jokela were key players for Finland; Marttila scored 25 points (22 attacks, 3 blocks), while Jokela contributed 21 points (19 attacks, 2 aces, 2 blocks).
For Korea, Shin Hojin led with 24 points (22 attacks, 1 block, 1 ace), and Jeong Hanyong added 16 points (13 spikes, 2 blocks, 1 ace).
Pool F Highlights
Belgium – Algeria 3 – 0 (25–22, 25–20, 25–12)
Belgium clinched the top position in Pool F with a dominant straight-set victory over Algeria, who finished without a win. The `Red Dragons` maintained their undefeated status in the group and are now set to meet Finland in the next round.
Following an early four-point deficit in the first set, Belgium quickly took control, ultimately securing a 3-0 sweep.
Despite committing more unforced errors (19 compared to Algeria’s 16), Belgium showcased superiority in other critical areas: a 10-1 advantage in blocks, 5-1 in aces, and 44-33 in spike kills. Ferre Reggers and captain Sam Deroo both contributed 15 points, with Reggers leading all scorers with 19 points, including two aces and two blocks. Tizit Farouk, Algeria’s substitute outside hitter, was their top performer with 11 points.
Italy – Ukraine 3 – 0 (25–21, 25–22, 25–18)
Defending champions Italy advanced to the playoffs by defeating Ukraine 3-0, securing second place in Group F with a record of two wins and one loss, accumulating seven points.
Key players for Italy included Alessandro Michieletto, who scored 13 points, and Mattia Bottolo and Yuri Romano, both adding 11 points.
For Ukraine, Yuri Semeniuk led with 14 points (11 spikes, 3 blocks), and Ilya Kovalov contributed 12 attack points. Ukraine’s high error count (24 compared to Italy`s 13) likely proved decisive. Italy also outperformed Ukraine in blocks (6-3) and aces (4-3).
Italy is scheduled to face Argentina in the Round of 16, while Belgium will play Finland. Both knockout matches are slated for Sunday.
Pool H Highlights
Czechia – China 3 – 0 (26–24, 25–19, 25–18)
Czechia secured their spot in the Round of 16 with a commanding victory over China. This straight-set win not only ensured Czechia`s progression from Pool H but also surprisingly led to the elimination of Brazil from the tournament.
The European team demonstrated complete control throughout the match, concluding their pool play with a 2-1 record.
Opposite Patrick Indra was a pivotal force, leading all scorers with an impressive 29 points (23 spikes, 4 blocks, 2 aces).
For China, outside hitter Wang Bin contributed 11 spikes and 1 ace.
Czechia dominated statistically across all key metrics: spikes (47-39), blocks (10-4), and aces (4-3).
Consequently, Czechia advances to the Round of 16. Meanwhile, Brazil, a nation with a rich volleyball history including three Olympic gold medals and three World Championship titles, suffered a shocking early exit after finishing third in their pool despite two victories.
Brazil – Serbia 0 – 3 (22–25, 20–25, 22–25)
The final day of the group stage delivered yet another significant shock as Serbia`s dominant performance prevented Brazil from reaching the knockout rounds. This marked Serbia`s second consecutive victory, enabling them to top Group H with six points, while Brazil finished third with two wins and one loss.
Serbia outperformed their opponents in every statistical category:
- Attacks: 43 to 40
- Blocks: 10 to 6
- Aces: 4 to 2
- Opponent Errors: 18 to 16
Drazen Luburic was central to Serbia`s triumph, leading their attack with 19 points (17 kills, 2 aces). Outside hitter Pavle Peric also made a significant contribution with 15 points (13 kills, 1 block, 1 ace).
Brazil`s top scorer was Alan de Souza, with 10 points (9 kills, 1 block).
In summary, a remarkable 11 European teams have qualified for the Round of 16: Türkiye, the Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Belgium, Finland, Bulgaria, Portugal, Slovenia, Czechia, and Serbia. The knockout stage is scheduled to commence on Saturday, September 20th.
Finley Blackwood 
Jasper Thornfield