After unexpected first-round losses, these three national teams battle for survival on Monday.
The fourth day of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship marks the beginning of the second round of pool play. This crucial day offers a lifeline to teams that suffered unexpected losses in their opening matches, giving them a chance to turn their fortunes around and remain contenders in the tournament.
Among these teams are Asian powerhouse Japan, Caribbean contenders Cuba, and the emerging German squad. All three will compete under significant pressure in the Philippines on Monday, as attention shifts to matches in Pools B, D, E, and G.
Pool B
Pool B is the sole group among the four playing on Monday where the first round proceeded as anticipated. Poland secured a victory over Romania, and the Netherlands triumphed over Qatar at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
These two European teams are now eager to secure a second win on Monday, potentially guaranteeing their qualification for the elimination rounds before the final pool stage on Wednesday. The Netherlands will face Romania at 18:00 local time (10:00 GMT), followed by Poland’s match against Qatar at 21:30 (13:30 GMT).
Pool D
In Pool D, Cuba is determined to bounce back from their four-set defeat to Portugal. To keep their tournament hopes alive, they must overcome newcomers Colombia at 10:00 (2:00 GMT) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Later that day, the two undefeated teams in the pool, Portugal and the United States, will clash at 21:00 (13:00 GMT). The U.S. began their campaign with a dominant sweep of Colombia. The winner of this encounter could secure a spot in the Round of 16, or at least establish a strong qualifying position.
Pool E
Germany’s straight-set loss to Bulgaria in Pool E, while not as shocking as some other upsets, has complicated their standing. Facing elimination, they will take on Chile at 13:30 (5:30 GMT) in Pasay City.
Bulgaria aims to maintain their excellent form against Slovenia, who previously swept Chile. The victor of this all-European showdown, scheduled for 17:30 (9:30 GMT), will be virtually assured a place in the elimination rounds.
Pool G
Japan`s straight-set loss to Türkiye was arguably the biggest surprise of the World Championship`s first round. Under immense pressure, the Asian team must defeat Canada – who previously beat Libya on Saturday – at 14:00 (6:00 GMT) in Quezon City to keep their advancement hopes alive.
Star outside hitter Ran Takahashi emphasized the team`s resolve: “We need to advance, so now we have to win our next two matches. We have no choice but to win and we’ll need to deal with the pressure of having our backs against the wall. I believe in our team.”
Türkiye, on the other hand, has an excellent chance to secure their spot in the next round. They will face Libya at 10:30 (2:30 GMT) in the first match of the day at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship Schedule for Monday, September 15, 2025
- 10:00 local time (2:00 GMT) – Pool D – Cuba vs. Colombia
- 10:30 local time (2:30 GMT) – Pool G – Türkiye vs. Libya
- 13:30 local time (5:30 GMT) – Pool E – Germany vs. Chile
- 14:00 local time (6:00 GMT) – Pool G – Japan vs. Canada
- 17:30 local time (9:30 GMT) – Pool E – Slovenia vs. Bulgaria
- 18:00 local time (10:00 GMT) – Pool B – The Netherlands vs. Romania
- 21:00 local time (13:00 GMT) – Pool D – USA vs. Portugal
- 21:30 local time (13:30 GMT) – Pool B – Poland vs. Qatar
Oliver Wrenwick 
Jasper Thornfield