The United States maintained its flawless record, securing a straight-sets victory over Bulgaria on Wednesday. This win propelled them, along with three other undefeated nations – Iran, Czechia, and Italy – into the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship held in Jiangmen. France, Cuba, Poland, and China also successfully advanced, completing the full roster of quarterfinalists.
Team USA sustained their impressive form by defeating Bulgaria 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-20). From the very beginning, Bulgaria struggled to keep pace. Sean Kelly led the offensive charge with 13 points, supported by Jackson Cryst`s 11 points, while setter Tread Rosenthal contributed significantly to a formidable defensive display with four crucial blocks.
In every set, the United States established early leads and consistently maintained their advantage. Their balanced play was evident, highlighted by 34 kills and 11 team blocks. Bulgaria`s offense struggled to find an answer, with Stilian Delibosov’s nine points being their highest individual contribution. This decisive victory ensured the Americans advanced to the quarterfinals without a single loss.
Iran faced a more challenging path, rallying from a set down to defeat Argentina 3-1 (22-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-23). Following the initial setback, the Iranian squad showcased their impressive depth and balanced attack, with Armin Ghelichniazi, Pouya Ariakhah, Seyed Matin Hosseini Tolouti, and Ariyan Mahmoudi Nejad collectively scoring 59 points to lead their team`s comeback.
This widespread offensive contribution proved crucial in the latter two sets. Although Argentina had five players, including Mateo Ernesto Gomez Aracena, reaching double-digit points, they ultimately lacked the necessary depth from their bench when the game reached critical moments. Iran’s consistent performance in the closing stages secured their flawless record and a spot in the quarterfinals.
Türkiye briefly posed a threat to Czechia`s impressive run by winning the first set 25-23, but Czechia quickly responded. Spearheaded by Tomas Brichta`s 18 points, and well-supported by Vojtech Pitner, captain Matej Pastrnak, and Jan Cerny, the Czech team shifted the momentum with more precise serving and stronger blocking.
Once Czechia found its stride, their victory seemed inevitable. They recorded a total of 51 kills and ultimately overcame Türkiye with a 3-1 win (23-25, 25-15, 25-18, 25-22). Despite Üner Yılmaz scoring 17 points for Türkiye, with contributions from Aleksey Atilla Öztire and Selim Yıldız, Czechia’s calm and collected play in the final moments preserved their unbeaten status.
Italy`s path to victory was notably more direct. The European squad comfortably dispatched Korea in straight sets, 3-0 (25-12, 25-22, 25-15). Tommaso Barotto and Manuel Zlatanov each contributed 12 points, while Pardo Mati added 10 points from the middle. Setter Gabriele Mariani effectively distributed the ball, and libero Luca Loreti provided a strong defensive foundation.
Korea managed some offensive plays, particularly with Yun Gyeong scoring 10 points and efforts from Lee Woojin and Cho Yeongun, but they consistently struggled against Italy`s well-organized blocking. The Italians, maintaining their undefeated streak, controlled the final set from start to finish, decisively securing their position in the quarterfinals.
France efficiently defeated Kazakhstan in a 3-0 sweep (25-15, 25-18, 25-18), showcasing a balanced offensive approach led by Thomas Pujol, Adrien Roure, and Amir Tizi-Oualou. With 11 blocks and five aces, the French team disrupted Kazakhstan`s rhythm, despite Vladislav Mastikhin`s nine points.
Cuba faced a tougher challenge, overcoming Egypt in two extended early sets before eventually securing a 3-0 victory (30-28, 27-25, 25-17). Opposite hitter Daniel Martinez was outstanding with 28 points, complemented by Felix Ernesto Rodriguez Hernandez`s 10 points. While Egyptian captain Hamza Awad (Elsafy) delivered 20 points, his team couldn`t muster enough support to extend the match to a fourth set.
Poland encountered spirited resistance from Ukraine before ultimately clinching a 3-1 victory (25-17, 16-25, 25-17, 25-22). Wojciech Gajek was instrumental, scoring 28 points, with strong backing from Michal Grzyb, Wiktor Przybylek, and Jakub Potrykus. Ukraine relied heavily on Vladyslav Boiko`s 18 points, but Poland`s formidable 16 team blocks proved decisive.
The day`s most thrilling encounter saw China narrowly defeat Japan 3-2 (17-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-27, 15-13). Li Hai led the Chinese attack with 21 points, supported by Zhang Zhiqiang (18 points), Shi Taier (15 points), and Wang Bohan (10 points). Japan`s Takuma Kawano, Kai Yamamoto, and Shunta Ono combined for an impressive 59 points, but China`s composed play in the decisive moments secured their hard-fought victory.
Playoff 17–24 Matches
In the Playoff 17–24 bracket, Thailand bounced back from their earlier pool play defeat with a controlled 3-0 sweep (25-21, 25-21, 25-18) against Colombia. Christopher Arli Upakam contributed 18 points, and captain Kittipong Sangsak added 11. For Colombia, Maicol Isaac Ortiz Castañeda was the top scorer with 13 points.
Brazil encountered a stern test from Morocco but ultimately prevailed with a 3-0 victory (25-22, 27-25, 25-19). Bryan Lucas Alves da Silva and Martos Antonio Soares Neto both achieved double-digit scores, while Hicham Masmoudi led Morocco`s scoring with 13 points.
Canada achieved a decisive 3-0 sweep (25-10, 25-18, 25-18) over Tunisia, with Félix-Antoine Perron contributing 16 points and Luke Lodewyks adding 10, including four blocks. Tunisia struggled offensively, with no player reaching double figures, as Canada consistently dominated in attack.
Indonesia concluded the day`s matches with a convincing 3-0 victory (25-20, 25-23, 25-15) against Puerto Rico. Captain Salam Dawuda Alaihimas was exceptional, scoring 23 points, well-supported by Muhammad Haikal Hidayatullah and Muhammad Darda Mulya. Although Ramon Andres Rosado Pineda led Puerto Rico with 14 points, Indonesia`s nine blocks and more potent attack secured the straight-sets win.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood