The 2025 Boys’ U19 World Championship is rapidly showcasing its leading contenders, with Pakistan making a significant statement by stunning the host nation on the second day of competition.
Pakistan delivered the day`s most remarkable result, triumphing over hosts Uzbekistan to maintain their pristine record at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship in Tashkent. They now stand among an exclusive group of seven undefeated teams, which also includes Argentina, France, Bulgaria, Spain, Korea, and Finland, as matches unfold at Yunnusobod Hall and the Sport University Center.
Pool A Highlights
In Pool A, Pakistan confidently silenced the home crowd with a straight-sets victory (25-23, 25-18, 25-21) against Uzbekistan. Captain and opposite hitter Muhammad Yahya was the driving force, amassing 24 points with powerful, well-placed attacks that consistently broke through the opposition`s block. This impressive win places Pakistan alongside Argentina at the top of their pool, both boasting two wins.
Argentina faced a grueling five-set battle but ultimately overcame Türkiye 3-2 (21-25, 25-23, 25-22, 22-25, 15-12) in a high-scoring encounter. Federico Javier Debonis led the South American side with 19 points, matching Türkiye’s Mehmet Ege Biber. Argentina’s slight advantage in attack points, 60-52, proved pivotal in the deciding final set.
Belgium also secured their initial win in Pool A, sweeping Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-16), primarily due to Guilhem Hubert’s 17-point performance.
Pool B Developments
In Pool B, reigning champions France secured their second consecutive win with a dominant 3-0 performance (25-16, 25-14, 25-14) against Algeria. Pierre Delaporte contributed 13 points, while the formidable French defense limited Algeria to a mere 20 attack points.
Bulgaria also advanced to a 2-0 record after navigating a tough third set to defeat China 3-1 (25-18, 25-17, 23-25, 25-19). Zhasmin Velichkov continued his exceptional form, delivering a 25-point performance, including six blocks, crucial to Bulgaria remaining unbeaten.
Japan rebounded from their opening-day loss to Canada with a 3-1 victory (27-29, 25-11, 25-23, 25-20), spearheaded by Karen Masajedi’s 19 points.
Pool C Action
In Pool C, Spain maintained their strong start by overcoming Egypt 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-16, 25-20). Cesar Irache was the top scorer with 20 points, building on his impressive 39-point outburst from the opening day, solidifying Spain’s 2-0 record.
Iran narrowly defeated Poland in five sets (25-22, 25-14, 17-25, 14-25, 15-13), bouncing back from their Day 1 defeat. Amir Naderi was outstanding, scoring 23 points, all from attacks. Both teams now hold a 1-1 record.
Italy, after a close loss to Poland, secured a straightforward victory over Tunisia (25-18, 25-13, 25-14). Their scoring was broadly distributed among 10 players, with Federico Argano leading the team with 11 points.
Pool D Overview
In Pool D, Korea achieved their second consecutive win with a 3-0 victory (25-18, 25-23, 25-17) against Colombia. Korea dominated the attack line, outscoring Colombia 55-25, and also led significantly in aces 6-1. Despite Colombia’s better blocking numbers, they struggled to contain Korea’s potent offense, which saw Bang Kangho and Lee Junho tally 25 and 20 points respectively. Maicol Isaac Ortiz Castañeda scored 15 points for the South Americans.
Finland also secured their second win, pulling off a surprising 3-0 triumph (25-22, 25-18, 25-22) over Brazil, thanks to a 17-point performance from Viktor Viljamaa.
The United States rebounded from their opening loss, defeating Cuba 3-1 (17-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-21). Grant Lamoureux led with 18 points, while Roman Payne added 13, including six blocks. USA’s robust defense proved crucial in limiting Cuba’s Yosdani Medina to just 14 points.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick