Following the conclusion of the women`s tournament, 32 men`s national teams are poised to commence their campaign in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men`s World Championship, with competition kicking off this Friday. Pool D features a compelling lineup of contenders: the United States, Cuba, Portugal, and Colombia.
The Philippines, a nation with a deep passion for volleyball, will make history by hosting the World Championship for the first time. The Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila are designated venues for the 66 matches scheduled from September 12 to 28.
Micah Christenson and Taylor Averill are set to bolster the U.S. squad for the tournament in the Philippines.
This 21st installment marks a new chapter for the tournament, which will now take place every two years, featuring an expanded field of 32 national teams vying for the world title.
The 32 competing nations are divided into eight pools of four. Each team will play its three pool opponents between September 12 and 18. The top two teams from each pool will progress to the knockout stages. The Round of 16 is scheduled for September 20-23, followed by the quarterfinals on September 24-25. The semifinals will be played on September 27, culminating in the medal matches on September 28.
As fans worldwide anticipate the action, we present an in-depth look at each of the eight pools, starting with Pool D.
Pool D Overview
Match Schedule
- September 13: USA vs. Colombia – 10:00 local time (02:00 GMT)
- September 13: Cuba vs. Portugal – 13:30 local time (05:30 GMT)
- September 15: Cuba vs. Colombia – 10:00 local time (02:00 GMT)
- September 15: USA vs. Portugal – 21:00 local time (13:00 GMT)
- September 17: Portugal vs. Colombia – 10:00 local time (02:00 GMT)
- September 17: USA vs. Cuba – 17:30 local time (09:30 GMT)
USA
The United States secured its qualification for the World Championship by winning the 2023 NORCECA Championship, claiming one of the three continental berths. This will be the Americans` 18th participation in the prestigious event, having only missed three previous editions (1949, 1952, 1962). Their impressive record includes a gold medal in 1986 and bronze medals in 1994 and 2018.
Currently ranked sixth in the FIVB World Ranking, the U.S. squad, under new head coach Karch Kiraly, featured a youthful roster in the recent Volleyball Nations League. However, for the World Championship, the team will welcome back key players like star setter Micah Christenson and middle blocker Taylor Averill. They will join other Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalists such as libero Erik Shoji, opposite Kyle Ensing, and middle blocker Jeffrey Jendryk, alongside promising outside hitter Cooper Robinson, forming a formidable core.
Cuba
Cuba secured its place in the World Championship by finishing third in the 2023 NORCECA Championship. The Caribbean nation boasts a rich history in the tournament, making its 16th appearance since its debut in 1956. Their notable achievements include silver medals in 1990 and 2010, and bronze medals in 1978 and 1998.
Ranked tenth globally by FIVB, the Cuban team has been under the guidance of coach Jesús Cruz since 2023. Veteran middle blocker Robertlandy Simón, a silver medalist from 15 years ago, remains a central figure. He is typically supported by a strong lineup including outside hitters Marlon Yant and Miguel Ángel López, opposite José Masso, middle blocker Javier Concepción, setter Christian Thondike, and libero Román García.
Portugal
Portugal qualified for the World Championship based on its FIVB World Ranking, securing one of the 15 available spots. This marks only their third appearance in the tournament, with previous showings resulting in a 15th-place finish in 1956 and an impressive eighth-place finish in 2002.
Ranked 29th in the world, the Portuguese team is led by legendary former player João José, who took the helm in 2021. Veteran setters Miguel Tavares and Tiago Violas are pivotal to their strategy. Offensively, the team relies on outside hitter Alexandre Ferreira and opposite Lourenço Martins, while libero Ivo Casas anchors their defense.
Colombia
Colombia will make its historic debut at the World Championship, a qualification earned by securing a third bronze medal at the 2023 South American Championship. This marks the nation`s first global tournament appearance, building on recent continental successes, including a bronze at the 2023 Pan American Games and a fourth-place finish in the Pan American Cup shortly before this event.
Under the guidance of veteran Brazilian coach Jorge Schmidt since 2021, the 41st-ranked Colombian squad embarks on its inaugural World Championship journey. Key players vital to their tactical setup include outside hitters Andrés Piza Hernández and Juan Felipe Benavides, libero Riol Roosvuelt, and middle blocker Leandro Mejía.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick