Spain’s Irache Dominates as Team Starts Strong in U19 World Championship

Cesar Irache, the Spanish opposite hitter, has quickly distinguished himself as the leading scorer at the 2025 FIVB Boys` U19 Volleyball World Championship. His impressive tally of 85 points has been instrumental in guiding his team to a perfect 3-0 record in the pool stage. The 17-year-old talent opened his tournament with a remarkable 39 points and has since accumulated 77 attack points, three blocks, and five aces over three matches.

Spain secured their most recent victory in a four-set battle against Poland, with Irache contributing a crucial 26 points to maintain their undefeated streak. Elsewhere, Korea, Bulgaria, Pakistan, and Finland also clinched their third consecutive wins on Saturday, positioning five teams at the top of their respective groups as Day 3 of pool play concluded at Yunnusobod Hall and the Sport University Center in Tashkent.

Match Highlights from Day 3

Spain Continues Dominance in Pool C

In Pool C, Spain solidified their top spot with a 3-1 triumph (25-19, 25-17, 20-25, 25-22) over Poland. Irache once again spearheaded their efforts, registering 23 kills, two blocks, and an ace, surpassing Poland`s opposite Maksymilian Lysons, who recorded 21 points. Despite Poland`s slight advantage in blocks and aces, Spain dictated the match`s flow with their potent attacking and disciplined error control.

Korea Secures Third Consecutive Win in Pool D

Korea maintained their impressive form in Pool D, securing a decisive 3-0 victory (25-16, 25-21, 25-22) against Brazil. Bang Kangho and Lee Junho collectively scored 14 points, dominating Korea’s offense in the initial set. Although Brazil narrowed the deficit towards the end of the second set, a communication error between their setter and middle blocker ultimately cost them the set. In the third, Brazil briefly held the lead, but Korea’s superb floor defense and swift counterattacks ensured a straight-sets win, marking their third consecutive triumph.

Pakistan Remains Unbeaten in Pool A

Pakistan continued their commanding performance in Pool A, achieving their third consecutive sweep by defeating Türkiye 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-19). Middle blocker Muhammad Saud was pivotal, contributing six blocks within his 16 total points, while captain Muhammad Yahya added 14. Demir Uzunca of Türkiye managed 11 points, but Pakistan dictated the match`s pace from beginning to end.

Belgium`s Stunning Comeback Against Argentina

In a remarkable comeback, Belgium rallied from a two-set deficit to overcome Argentina 3-2 (24-26, 17-25, 25-21, 25-18, 15-12), securing their inaugural win. Guilhem Hubert led the charge with 26 points, supported by Jannes Strobbe`s 19, as the European side regained composure with precise attacking and composed play. Samuel Guidi Correa of Argentina also tallied 19 points, but the South Americans faltered late in the decisive fifth set, sealed by a cunning drop shot from Belgium.

Uzbekistan Bounces Back

Uzbekistan rebounded impressively, securing a commanding 3-0 victory (25-18, 25-21, 25-14) against Puerto Rico, with Shokhboz Mamayusufov and Elmurod Mamadaliyev each scoring 12 points. The host nation showcased a strong all-around performance, notching 34 attacks and seven aces. Jean Paul Gonzalez contributed nine points for Puerto Rico.

Bulgaria Stays Perfect in Pool B

Bulgaria maintained their undefeated status in Pool B with a 3-1 win (25-23, 27-25, 20-25, 25-16) over Japan. Zhasmin Velichkov accumulated 21 points, and Bulgaria`s seven service aces were crucial at pivotal junctures. Karen Masajedi of Japan also scored 21 points, but Bulgaria`s dominance in the fourth set sealed their third victory.

China Upsets France

China brought an end to France`s flawless record with an impressive 3-2 upset (37-35, 25-22, 20-25, 20-25, 15-12). The Chinese team narrowly won the extended opening set and regained momentum in the fifth to secure their second tournament win. Captain Ding Haocheng led with 18 points, while setter Gong Haoqian orchestrated an offense that saw five players reach double-digit scores. Despite Andrej Jokanovic and Noa Dufflos Rossi`s 25 and 21 points for France, their unforced errors proved costly in the end.

Algeria Claims First Win

Algeria secured their inaugural victory of the tournament by defeating Canada 3-1 (19-25, 28-26, 30-28, 25-21). After losing the first set, the North African squad narrowly won the subsequent two and completed their triumph in the fourth. Wahid Aberkane delivered an exceptional performance from the middle, tallying 11 kills, two blocks, and five aces.

Iran Dominates Tunisia

Iran claimed their second victory in Pool C with a dominant 3-0 sweep (25-20, 25-15, 25-20) against Tunisia. Amirmohammad Rafie and Mohammad Amin collectively contributed 26 points, as Iran established an early lead and maintained their momentum. They held a significant 48-25 advantage in kills and restricted Tunisia to just one player in double-digit scoring, Omar Hfaiedh, who finished with 10.

Italy Stays Close to Spain

Italy secured their position right behind Spain in the standings following a 3-0 victory (25-19, 25-19, 25-18) over Egypt. Manuel Zlatanov and Jacopo Tosti scored 12 and 10 points, respectively. Although Egypt`s Ahmed Amer was the match`s top scorer with 13 points, Italy`s superior control in serving and attacking proved to be the deciding factor.

Finland`s Impressive Run Continues

In Pool D, Finland continued their impressive run with a 3-0 victory (25-23, 25-20, 25-15), marking their third consecutive win. After a closely contested opening set, Finland found their rhythm, dominating in all scoring categories, concluding the match with 32 attacks, 10 blocks, and seven aces. Kaapo Vanhatupa led the team with 12 points, while Viktor Viljamaa and Kasper Vesanen each added 10.

USA Claims First Victory in Thrilling Five-Setter

The United States concluded the day by securing their first victory, prevailing over Colombia in a grueling five-set match, 3-2 (25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 30-32, 15-9). Grant Lamoureux was the top scorer with 31 points, comprising 25 kills and five aces. Roman Payne contributed 16 points, and William Dryden alongside Thomas Henige each added 10. For Colombia, Maicol Isaac Ortiz Castañeda recorded 25 points in their losing effort.

The Boys’ U19 World Championship resumes July 28, Monday with 16 matches across all four pools.

Upcoming Match Schedule (July 28, all times local):