Spain has made an impressive start at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship in Tashkent, leading the early standings after three days of pool play. Spearheading their charge is 17-year-old opposite Cesar Irache, who has emerged as the tournament`s top scorer with a remarkable 85 points. His dominant performance includes an astounding 39 points on the opening day, contributing 77 attack points, three blocks, and five service aces across three matches.
Spain`s latest victory came in a four-set thriller against Poland, with Irache adding 26 points to maintain their unbeaten record. The match concluded 3-1 (25-19, 25-17, 20-25, 25-22), showcasing Spain`s strong attacking play and efficient error management, despite Poland`s edge in blocks and aces.
Joining Spain atop their respective groups with perfect 3-0 records are Pakistan, Bulgaria, Korea, and Finland, demonstrating formidable early-tournament form.
Key Match Highlights
Korea continued their strong run in Pool D, securing a convincing 3-0 (25-16, 25-21, 25-22) win over Brazil. Their success was built on solid floor defense and effective counterattacks.
In Pool A, Pakistan maintained their dominance with a clean 3-0 sweep against Türkiye (25-17, 25-19, 25-19). Middle blocker Muhammad Saud was pivotal with six blocks among his 16 points, supported by captain Muhammad Yahya`s 14 points, as Pakistan dictated the match tempo.
Bulgaria remained unbeaten in Pool B, overcoming Japan 3-1 (25-23, 27-25, 20-25, 25-16). Zhasmin Velichkov led Bulgaria with 21 points, with their seven service aces playing a crucial role.
Finland also impressed in Pool D, securing their third straight win with a 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-15) victory. They excelled in all scoring categories, recording 32 attacks, 10 blocks, and seven aces, with Kaapo Vanhatupa, Viktor Viljamaa, and Kasper Vesanen all hitting double-digit points.
Notable Upsets and Comebacks
Among other notable results, Belgium achieved their first win by staging a remarkable comeback from two sets down to defeat Argentina 3-2 (24-26, 17-25, 25-21, 25-18, 15-12). Guilhem Hubert`s 26 points and Jannes Strobbe`s 19 were instrumental in their recovery.
Hosts Uzbekistan secured a dominant 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-14) win against Puerto Rico, showcasing a strong all-around performance with 34 attacks and seven service aces.
In a significant upset, China ended France’s perfect run with a thrilling 3-2 (37-35, 25-22, 20-25, 20-25, 15-12) victory. Captain Ding Haocheng led the Chinese offense, which saw five players reach double figures.
Algeria earned their first tournament win by overcoming Canada 3-1 (19-25, 28-26, 30-28, 25-21), powered by Wahid Aberkane`s strong performance from the middle with 11 kills, two blocks, and five aces.
Iran secured their second win in Pool C with a 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-20) result over Tunisia, displaying a clear advantage in kills.
Italy followed Spain closely in Pool C standings after a decisive 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-18) win against Egypt, with Manuel Zlatanov and Jacopo Tosti leading their scoring.
Finally, the United States registered their first victory in a hard-fought five-set battle against Colombia, winning 3-2 (25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 30-32, 15-9). Grant Lamoureux was the standout player with 31 points, including 25 kills and five aces.
The FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship will continue on Monday, July 28, with 16 matches scheduled across all four pools.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick