The Men`s Volleyball World Championship in the Philippines has concluded its third day of preliminary action, with matches unfolding across Pools A, C, F, and H. A significant moment arrived as Czechia delivered a stunning straight-sets victory over Serbia, making a powerful opening statement in their World Championship campaign.
Pool A
Iran – Egypt 1-3 (17-25, 25-16, 23-25, 20-25)
In a notable upset in Pool A, Egypt defeated Iran 3-1 in their opening match of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship in Pasay City. Key performers for Egypt included outside hitters Ahmed Shafik Said (18 points, 62% attack efficiency) and Abdelrahman Elhossiny (17 points, 65% attack efficiency). Opposite Seif Abed also contributed 12 points.
Statistically, Egypt held an advantage in spike kills (52-45) and aces (8-4). Iran, however, outblocked Egypt 10-7 and committed fewer unforced errors (24 vs. 26). Iran’s top scorers were Ali Hajipour (17 points, including three kill blocks and an ace) and Poriya Khanzadeh (12 points, with three aces and two kill blocks).
Pool C
Argentina – Finland 3-2 (19-25, 18-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-11)
France – Korea 3-0 (25-12, 25-18, 25-16)
Back-to-back Olympic champions France commenced their 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship campaign in Quezon City with a decisive 3-0 sweep against Korea. The French team demonstrated superiority across all statistical categories: 35-28 in spike kills, 10-4 in blocks, and a dominant 10-0 in aces, also capitalizing on more opponent errors.
Jean Patry was the standout player for France, scoring a team-high 16 points (including 3 aces and 2 blocks) with an impressive 73% attack success rate. Heo Subong led Korea’s scoring with 9 points. Patry commented on the team’s focus, stating it was crucial for France to enjoy their play and begin the tournament with the right energy, especially as some players are considering this their final run together.
Pool F
Italy – Algeria 3-0 (25-13, 25-22, 25-17)
Ukraine – Belgium 0-3 (16-25, 17-25, 22-25)
Belgium began their Pool F matches in convincing fashion, sweeping Ukraine 3-0 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The `Red Dragons` quickly established their dominance, setting the tone early in each set. Their success was largely fueled by 22-year-old opposite spiker Ferre Reggers, who delivered a match-high 23 points (20 attack points + 3 blocks).
Supporting him were Seppe Rotty, contributing 13 points, and team captain Sam Deroo, recently recovered from surgery, adding 12 points. Belgium also outperformed Ukraine in blocking, recording 10 blocks compared to Ukraine’s 5. This victory not only secured a perfect start for Belgium but also built valuable momentum heading into their crucial match against reigning world champions Italy, scheduled for September 16th.
Pool H
Brazil – China 3-1 (19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-21)
Serbia – Czechia 0-3 (22-25, 23-25, 20-25)
In Pool H, world No. 21 Czechia pulled off a significant upset by defeating No. 12 Serbia 3-0. This impressive win resulted in a boost for Czechia, moving them three spots up to 18th in the FIVB World Rankings, while Serbia consequently dropped to 13th.
Although Serbia managed brief early leads in the sets, Czechia largely maintained control of the scoreboard. Key statistics favoring Czechia included a 4-0 lead in aces, a narrow edge in spike kills (45-43), and fewer unforced errors (17 vs. 23). Patrik Indra led all scorers with 14 points, all from attacks, hitting at an impressive 64% success rate, and secured the match-winning point. Lukas Vasina added 13 points, including half of Czechia’s aces. For Serbia, Pavle Peric also contributed 14 points, while opposite Drazen Luburic scored 12.
Finley Blackwood