The stage is set for an exciting battle in Pool H of the 2025 FIVB Men`s Volleyball World Championship, where powerhouse teams Brazil and Serbia will contend alongside Czechia and China for the coveted two spots in the elimination rounds.
Just five days after the women`s world champions were crowned, the 32 national teams participating in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men`s World Championship are gearing up for their tournament journeys, commencing on Friday, September 12.
This historic event marks the first time the volleyball-loving nation of the Philippines will host the World Championship. Matches will be held from September 12-28 at two premier venues in Manila`s metropolitan area: the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The 21st edition introduces a new era for the tournament, which will now take place biennially, featuring 32 national teams vying for the global title.
The competing teams are divided into eight pools, each containing four teams. During the pool play phase, from September 12-18, each team will play against its three opponents. Only the top two teams from each pool will progress to the elimination rounds. The Round of 16 is scheduled for September 20-23, followed by the quarterfinals on September 24-25, the semifinals on September 27, and the medal matches concluding the event on September 28.
As fans worldwide prepare to follow the action, let`s take a closer look at Pool H.
Pool H Overview
Match Schedule (All times are local, followed by GMT)
- September 14 – Serbia vs. Czechia – 17:30 (9:30 GMT)
- September 14 – Brazil vs. China – 21:00 (13:00 GMT)
- September 16 – Brazil vs. Czechia – 10:00 (2:00 GMT)
- September 16 – Serbia vs. China – 21:00 (13:00 GMT)
- September 18 – Brazil vs. Serbia – 10:00 (2:00 GMT)
- September 18 – Czechia vs. China – 21:00 (13:00 GMT)
Brazil
Brazil secured their place in the World Championship by finishing as runners-up in the 2023 South American Championship. A perennial presence, Brazil will be making their 19th consecutive appearance, having first competed in 1956. They boast an impressive record with three gold medals (2002, 2006, 2010), three silver medals (1982, 2014, 2018), and one bronze (2022).
Under the guidance of the legendary Bernardo `Bernardinho` Rezende, who returned as coach in 2024, Brazil currently holds the third position in the FIVB World Ranking. Key players for the squad in the Philippines will include setter Fernando `Cachopa` Kreling, opposite Darlan de Souza, outside hitter Ricardo Lucarelli, and middle blocker Flavio Gualberto.
Serbia
Serbia qualified for the World Championship based on their FIVB World Ranking. The nation has a rich history in the tournament, including four appearances as part of Yugoslavia between 1956 and 1970. As an independent country, they have participated in the last seven editions since 1998, earning a silver medal in their debut as Serbia and a bronze in 2010.
Ranked 12th globally, Serbia is led by Romanian head coach Gheorghe Crețu, who took charge at the start of the season. The core of their team for the World Championship is expected to feature setter Nikola Jovović, opposite Dražen Luburić, and outside hitters Marko Ivović and Pavle Perić.
Czechia
Czechia also secured their spot in this year`s World Championship through their FIVB World Ranking points, marking their return to the tournament for the first time since 2010 and their 17th overall appearance. Historically, the Czechs were formidable competitors, reaching the final in the first six editions, claiming gold in 1956 and 1966, and silver in 1949, 1952, 1960, and 1962.
Currently ranked 21st in the world, Czechia has been coached by former player Jiří Novák since 2020. Anticipated starters for the tournament include opposite Marek Šotola, outside hitter Lukáš Vašina, middle blocker Josef Polák, and libero Michael Kovařík.
China
China earned their qualification for the World Championship via their FIVB World Ranking, being among the top-ranked teams not qualified through continental pathways. A consistent presence, China debuted in 1956 and has participated in 15 editions, including the last eight. Their best results were seventh-place finishes in consecutive tournaments in 1978 and 1982.
With Belgian head coach Vital Heynen leading the team since last year, China is currently ranked 26th globally. Outside hitter Jingyin Zhang, who missed the Volleyball Nations League due to injury, is expected to return and join setter Yaochen Yu, middle blocker Yongzhen Li, and opposite Chuan Jiang in spearheading the team`s efforts in the Philippines.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick