The 2025 FIVB Men’s U21 World Championship is gearing up for an electrifying finale, as Italy and Iran—following their commanding victories in Saturday’s semifinals at the Jiangmen Sports Center—are set to face off. This highly anticipated match represents a significant rematch of previous finals, with Italy particularly motivated to overturn their 2023 defeat against the reigning champions, Iran. Beyond the intense semifinal clashes, a series of captivating playoff and classification matches unfolded, as teams fiercely competed for their ultimate rankings in the tournament.
Both Iran and Italy have, once again, reached the Men’s U21 World Championship final. Iran, as the defending champions, aims to secure an unprecedented third consecutive title, having previously defeated Italy in dramatic five-set encounters during both the 2019 and 2023 finals. This marks Iran’s third appearance in the final, presenting a golden opportunity for a championship hat-trick. Italy, winners of their sole World Championship title in 2021, are making their seventh final appearance, determined to break their two-final losing streak against the formidable Iranian squad.
Semifinal 1: Iran Dominates USA
Iran secured its place in the final with a dominant 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-20) victory over the USA. The Iranian offense was spearheaded by star player Ali Mombeni, who amassed an impressive 19 points, including 18 attacks and one ace. Armin Ghelichniazi also made a significant contribution with 10 points, which included three crucial blocks. Taha Behboudnia and Emran Kook Jili each added three blocks, while Ariyan Mahmoudi Nejad scored eight points. Iran’s steadfast defense effectively neutralized any attempts by the USA to gain momentum throughout the match.
Despite the USA taking an early lead in the first set, Iran quickly equalized at 16-16 and gradually took control to win the set 25-21. Mombeni was a pivotal figure in this set, scoring seven points, including six attacks. Iran continued its assertive play in the second set, pulling ahead after an early 4-4 tie. Exceptional serving and precise attacks enabled Iran to establish an 11-6 lead, ultimately closing out the set 25-20. In the third set, the USA briefly challenged with a tie at 13-13 after a successful review, but Iran promptly reestablished its lead, finishing strong with another 25-20 win.
Semifinal 2: Italy Sweeps Czechia
In the other semifinal, Italy delivered a convincing 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-18) triumph over Czechia. The Italian team demonstrated complete control from the outset, executing with precision across all areas of their play. Tommaso Barotto led Italy’s scoring efforts with 14 points, comprising 13 attacks and an ace. Manuel Zlatanov also played a crucial role, contributing 13 points from nine attacks, an ace, and three blocks. Czechia’s top scorer, Tomas Brichta, was largely stifled by Italy`s robust defense, limited to just nine points.
Statistically, Italy outperformed Czechia with 34-30 in attacks, 4-3 in aces, and 8-3 in blocks, underscoring their superior execution. Captain Lorenzo Magliano added seven points, reinforcing Italy`s well-rounded offensive and defensive strategy. Czechia`s attempts to mount a comeback were consistently thwarted as Italy maintained its dominance throughout, sealing the third set 25-18 and completing a clean sweep.
Playoff and Classification Matches Overview
5th-8th Place Playoff
- Poland vs. Cuba: Poland rebounded from their quarterfinal defeat with a decisive 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-19) victory over Cuba. Wojciech Gajek led Poland’s offense with 20 points, supported by Jakub Kiedos’s 14. Despite Carlos Javier Pereira Larea scoring 14 points for Cuba, Poland’s stronger defense and consistent attack secured a comfortable win.
- France vs. China: France secured its place in the fifth-place match by defeating China 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-22). Adrien Roure and Thomas Pujol each contributed 13 points, with France showcasing 46 kills and eight blocks. France`s consistency across all areas of the game ensured a straight-sets victory, despite strong individual performances from China’s Wu Haoze and Gao Yuning.
9th-12th Place Playoff
- Bulgaria vs. Japan: Bulgaria triumphed over Japan with a 3-1 (25-20, 12-25, 25-17, 25-22) win. After taking the first set, Bulgaria faced a dominant Japanese response in the second. However, Bulgaria regained control in the third and sealed the victory in the fourth. Zhasmin Velichkov led Bulgaria with 19 attacks and five blocks, while Takuma Kawano and Shunta Ono scored 18 and 16 points for Japan, respectively.
- Ukraine vs. Korea: Ukraine clinched ninth place with a 3-1 (25-22, 25-23, 25-27, 25-18) victory against Korea. Led by Maksym Tokonoh and Yaroslav Horobets, Ukraine`s balanced offense and defense proved too strong for Korea, despite commendable performances from Cho Deukjin and Park Wooyoung.
- Kazakhstan vs. Argentina: Kazakhstan mounted an impressive comeback to defeat Argentina 3-2 (26-28, 25-21, 18-25, 26-24, 15-11). Klim Ryukhov scored 24 points, playing a pivotal role in Kazakhstan`s recovery from a third-set deficit. Despite Fausto Diaz`s outstanding 30 points for Argentina, Kazakhstan`s collective effort secured the tiebreak win.
13th Place Playoff
- Egypt vs. Türkiye: Egypt secured its place in the 13th-place match with a 3-1 (25-22, 25-19, 20-25, 25-22) win over Türkiye. Even though they were outscored in attack, Egypt`s strong defensive showing, highlighted by seven blocks from Ibrahim Abdelmaksood, sealed the match in four sets.
17th Place Final
- Canada vs. Brazil: Canada staged a remarkable comeback from a 2-1 deficit to defeat Brazil 3-2 (23-25, 25-20, 26-28, 25-20, 18-16). Owen Harris led Canada with 19 points, and Zachary Yewchuk added 15, including five blocks. Despite Bryan Lucas Alves da Silva`s powerful 32 points for Brazil, Canada`s collective resilience secured the dramatic victory.
19th Place Final
- Indonesia vs. Thailand: Indonesia claimed 19th place with an exciting 3-1 (25-23, 25-13, 20-25, 29-27) win over Thailand. Dawuda Alaihimas Salam and Muhammad Haikal Hidayatullah both delivered outstanding 20-point performances, with Dawuda contributing 23 attacks and a block.
21st Place Final
- Colombia vs. Puerto Rico: Colombia secured 21st place with a 3-1 (25-22, 25-17, 23-25, 25-23) victory over Puerto Rico. Maicol Isaac Ortiz Castañeda’s eight aces were crucial to Colombia’s dominant serving game, while Ramon Andres Rosado Pineda scored 24 points for Puerto Rico in a losing effort.
23rd Place Final
- Morocco vs. Tunisia: In a tense all-African derby, Morocco earned 23rd place by defeating Tunisia 3-2 (27-25, 24-26, 25-23, 22-25, 15-12). Anas El Moufakkir led Morocco with 28 points, including six blocks, while Rasem Ksouda scored 15 points for Tunisia. Morocco’s balanced team play ultimately secured the win in the tiebreak.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood