Tuesday marks the concluding day of the eighthfinal duels at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship hosted in the Philippines. Two pivotal matches are scheduled, determining the final two teams to advance to the quarterfinals.
Eighthfinal 7: Tunisia vs. Czechia
In the day`s opening match, two teams not initially tipped as favorites, Tunisia and Czechia, will battle for a coveted quarterfinal spot. Their encounter is set for 15:30 local time (07:30 UTC) in Pasay City.
Their last official meeting was a four-set victory for the Czechs in a 2022 Volleyball Challenger Cup quarterfinal.
Tunisia: A Bid for History
For Tunisia, a win would represent a historic achievement, surpassing their previous best World Championship finish of 15th place in 2006. At Philippines 2025, the African squad began strongly with a straight-set victory over the host nation. Despite a four-set loss to Iran, they secured their eighthfinal berth by defeating fellow North African team Egypt in straight sets, topping Pool A. Tunisia has climbed 10 spots in the FIVB World Ranking, now at 33rd. Outside hitter Oussama Ben Romdhane, 22, led their scoring in the pool phase with 45 points.
Czechia: Echoes of Past Glory
Czechia, carrying the legacy of Czechoslovakia`s two World Championship titles (1956, 1966) and four silver medals, aims to break a 55-year drought from the final four. They entered Pool H as underdogs but stunned Serbia with a clean sweep in their opener. After a loss to Brazil and a win against China, both in straight sets, they finished as pool runners-up. Czechia has risen two places to 19th in the World Ranking. Opposite Patrik Indra was instrumental in their pool stage performance, accumulating 49 points.
Eighthfinal 8: Serbia vs. Iran
The eighthfinal round will conclude with a high-stakes clash between Serbia and Iran, scheduled for 20:00 local time (12:00 UTC) in Pasay City.
Their recent encounters in the Volleyball Nations League saw them exchange four-set victories, with Serbia winning last year and Iran triumphing this year.
Serbia: Seeking Another Medal
Serbia, bronze medalists in the 2010 World Championship, currently holds 13th place in the World Ranking. Their tournament began with a surprising straight-set loss to Czechia in Pool H. However, they quickly rebounded with straight-set victories over China and a strong Brazil, clinching the top spot in their pool and eliminating the South American giants. Opposite Drazen Luburic was Serbia`s top scorer during the pool stage with 48 points.
Iran: A Dramatic Road to Eighthfinals
Iran, whose best World Championship finish was sixth in 2014, started Philippines 2025 as Pool A favorites but faced an early setback with a four-set loss to Egypt. They recovered by defeating Tunisia in four sets. In a thrilling decisive match against host Philippines, Iran fought off six match points in the tie-breaker to secure a five-set victory and advance as pool runners-up. This dramatic performance saw them drop from 13th to 16th in the World Ranking. 21-year-old outside hitter Poriya Khanzadeh was Iran`s leading scorer with 55 points and ranked joint third among best servers. Playmaker Arshia Behnezhad, 22, was third among best setters.
FIVB Men’s World Championship Schedule for Tuesday, September 23, 2025
- 15:30 local (07:30 UTC): Tunisia vs. Czechia
- 20:00 local (12:00 UTC): Serbia vs. Iran
Oliver Wrenwick