USA Dominates and Advances to Quarterfinals in Jiangmen

Team USA, along with Iran, Czechia, and Italy, remain undefeated as they secure their places in the quarterfinals of the Men’s U21 World Championship. France, Cuba, Poland, and China also join the elite eight.

The **United States** continued their impressive run at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship in Jiangmen, sweeping Bulgaria on Wednesday to remain one of four unbeaten teams heading into the quarterfinals. **Iran**, **Czechia**, and **Italy** also maintained perfect records, while **France**, **Cuba**, **Poland**, and **China** completed the lineup for the knockout stage.

USA`s Commanding Performance

The American squad showcased their formidable momentum with a convincing 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-20) victory over Bulgaria. From the opening serve, USA established an early lead and never relinquished control. **Sean Kelly** led the offensive charge with 13 points, supported by **Jackson Cryst** who contributed 11. Setter **Tread Rosenthal** displayed defensive prowess with four crucial blocks, highlighting the team`s balanced performance. With 34 kills and 11 team blocks, USA`s dominance was clear, while **Stilian Delibosov**`s nine points were the highest for Bulgaria, underscoring the challenge they faced against the unbeaten Americans.

Iran`s Resilient Comeback

**Iran** faced a tougher challenge, recovering from an initial set loss to defeat Argentina 3-1 (22-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-23). After dropping the first set, the Iranians rallied, demonstrating remarkable depth and balance in their attack. **Armin Ghelichniazi**, **Pouya Ariakhah**, **Seyed Matin Hosseini Tolouti**, and **Ariyan Mahmoudi Nejad** collectively amassed an impressive 59 points. This widespread offensive power proved crucial in the later sets, as Argentina, despite having five players in double figures led by **Mateo Ernesto Gomez Aracena**, lacked the bench support needed to counter Iran`s consistent pressure. Iran`s steadfast finish ensured their undefeated journey continued.

Czechia Overcomes Early Setback

**Czechia** also navigated a difficult match, fending off Türkiye`s strong start to secure a 3-1 (23-25, 25-15, 25-18, 25-22) victory. After losing the opening set, the Czechs responded decisively, turning the tide with sharper serving and blocking. **Tomas Brichta** was the standout performer with 18 points, aided by **Vojtech Pitner**, captain **Matej Pastrnak**, and **Jan Cerny**. Their collective effort resulted in 51 kills, proving too much for Türkiye. Despite **Üner Yılmaz** scoring 17 points for Türkiye, supported by **Aleksey Atilla Öztire** and **Selim Yıldız**, Czechia`s composure in the decisive moments kept their perfect record intact.

Italy`s Seamless Advance

**Italy** delivered a straightforward and dominant performance, sweeping Korea 3-0 (25-12, 25-22, 25-15). **Tommaso Barotto** and **Manuel Zlatanov** each contributed 12 points, with **Pardo Mati** adding 10 from the middle. Setter **Gabriele Mariani** expertly distributed the offense, while libero **Luca Loreti** anchored the defense. Korea, with **Yun Gyeong** scoring 10 points and contributions from **Lee Woojin** and **Cho Yeongun**, struggled to penetrate Italy`s disciplined blocking. The Italians maintained their undefeated status, never trailing in the final set and emphatically securing their quarterfinal berth.

Other Quarterfinalists Emerge Victorious

**France** swiftly dispatched Kazakhstan with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-18) win, showcasing a balanced attack from **Thomas Pujol**, **Adrien Roure**, and **Amir Tizi-Oualou**. Their strong defensive play, featuring 11 blocks and five aces, stifled Kazakhstan`s efforts, despite **Vladislav Mastikhin**’s nine points.

**Cuba** endured a tougher battle against Egypt, eventually securing a 3-0 (30-28, 27-25, 25-17) victory after two extended sets. Opposite **Daniel Martinez** was pivotal with 28 points, alongside **Felix Ernesto Rodriguez Hernandez** who added 10. Egyptian captain **Hamza Awad (Elsafy)** scored 20 points but lacked sufficient support to challenge Cuba further.

**Poland** faced resistance from Ukraine before closing out a 3-1 (25-17, 16-25, 25-17, 25-22) win. **Wojciech Gajek** led Poland with an impressive 28 points, supported by **Michal Grzyb**, **Wiktor Przybylek**, and **Jakub Potrykus**. Poland`s formidable 16 team blocks proved decisive against **Vladyslav Boiko**’s 18 points for Ukraine.

The day’s most thrilling encounter saw **China** edge out Japan in a five-set thriller, 3-2 (17-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-27, 15-13). **Li Hai** spearheaded the Chinese attack with 21 points, with **Zhang Zhiqiang** adding 18, **Shi Taier** 15, and **Wang Bohan** 10. Despite **Takuma Kawano**, **Kai Yamamoto**, and **Shunta Ono** combining for 59 points for Japan, China’s composure in the decisive moments secured their quarterfinal spot.

Playoff Rounds Results

In the Playoff 17–24 matches, several teams secured decisive victories:

• **Thailand** comfortably swept Colombia 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-18). **Christopher Arli Upakam** scored 18 points, and captain **Kittipong Sangsak** contributed 11.
• **Brazil** overcame a resilient Morocco 3-0 (25-22, 27-25, 25-19). **Bryan Lucas Alves da Silva** and **Martos Antonio Soares Neto** reached double figures, while **Hicham Masmoudi** led Morocco with 13 points.
• **Canada** dominated Tunisia with a 3-0 (25-10, 25-18, 25-18) victory. **Félix-Antoine Perron** registered 16 points and **Luke Lodewyks** added 10, including four blocks. Tunisia struggled to find a player in double digits.
• **Indonesia** secured a 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-15) win against Puerto Rico. Captain **Salam Dawuda Alaihimas** was outstanding with 23 points, supported by **Muhammad Haikal Hidayatullah** and **Muhammad Darda Mulya**. Indonesia`s nine blocks and sharp attack proved superior.