The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship kicked off in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, delivering a series of captivating matches on its opening day, promising an exciting tournament ahead.
Hosts Make Triumphant Debut
Host nation Uzbekistan made a remarkable debut, securing a decisive 3-0 victory against Türkiye. Playing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at Yunnusobod Hall, Uzbekistan clinched the sets 25-22, 25-14, and 25-20. Outside hitter Shokhboz Mamayusufov was a standout performer, dominating with strong serving and powerful attacks, while Hakimov Bilolbek sealed a crucial set with an uncontested spike, igniting the crowd.
Champions and Thrillers Highlight Opening Day
Defending champions France also began their campaign successfully, overcoming Canada 3-1 (22-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-20). Andrej Jokanovic led the French attack with 17 points, supported by Ino Dukic and Noa Duflos Rossi, showcasing their intent to defend the title.
In the day`s most dramatic showdown, Poland emerged victorious over Italy in a high-stakes five-set thriller, winning 3-2 (20-25, 25-22, 25-22, 14-25, 20-18). Despite Manuel Zlatanov`s impressive 25 points for Italy, Poland`s Oskar Trawka and Wojciech Olejniczak delivered clutch performances to secure the hard-fought win.
Elsewhere, Korea secured a straightforward 3-0 win against Cuba (25-21, 25-20, 25-20), with Lee Junho and Bang Kangho leading their offense, demonstrating their solid form.
Further Opening Day Results
- Pakistan delivered a convincing 3-0 win against Belgium (25-19, 25-17, 25-22), featuring strong blocking from Muhammad Saud and Jabran Jabran, who contributed significantly to their 11 total stuffs at the net.
- Argentina secured a straight-sets victory over Puerto Rico (25-19, 25-21, 25-23), as Federico Debonis and Mauro Gay combined for 32 crucial points.
- Bulgaria swept Algeria 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-19), led by captain Zhasmin Velichkov`s 14 points, alongside strong contributions from Deyan Marinov and Nikola Konstantinov.
- China prevailed in an all-Asian clash against Japan, winning 3-0 (27-25, 28-26, 25-15), overcoming Karen Masajedi`s efforts with a balanced attack.
- In a significant upset, Spain defeated 2023 silver medalists Iran 3-2 (25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-12) in Pool C, largely due to Cesar Irache`s incredible 39-point contribution, including 34 kills.
- Egypt also started with a 3-0 win over Tunisia (25-18, 30-28, 28-26), led by captain Ahmed Elbihiry’s 16 points and a strong all-around performance from Ahmed Hamza.
- In Pool D, Finland rallied from a set down to beat the United States 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20), with Kaapo Vanhatupa scoring 17 points and their defense excelling, out-blocking the Americans 11-6.
- Brazil showcased a commanding performance, defeating Colombia 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-15), driven by Diogo dos Anjos`s 18 points across attacks, blocks, and aces, dominating all scoring fronts.
The successful start of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship promises an exhilarating competition as teams vie for the coveted title.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood