The Volleyball World Championship 2025 in the Philippines is just heating up, but the first teams have already secured their spots in the Round of 16.
After two rounds of the group stage, six national teams have advanced:
Poland
The reigning European champions and 2025 Nations League winners dominated their first matches without dropping a single set. Poland looks like one of the main favorites of the tournament so far.
Poland – Romania 3:0 (34:32, 25:15, 25:19)
Poland – Qatar 3:0 (25:21, 25:14, 25:19)
Turkey
Slobodan Kovač’s squad continues to surprise fans and opponents alike. With two wins, including a sensational victory over Japan, the Turks are confidently heading into the playoffs, showing strong team spirit.
Japan – Turkey 0:3 (19:25, 23:25, 19:25)
Turkey – Libya 3:1 (25:18, 23:25, 25:14, 25:16)
Canada
Canada produced one of the biggest shocks of the tournament, defeating Japan 3:0 and effectively knocking the Asian powerhouse out. Daniel Lewis’s team confirms its status as a dark horse.
Canada – Libya 3:1 (22:25, 25:20, 25:12, 29:27)
Japan – Canada 0:3 (20:25, 23:25, 22:25)
USA
The Americans remain as consistent as ever on the world stage. Even without star spiker Matthew Anderson, Karch Kiraly’s team looks solid in every aspect of the game and is aiming high.
USA – Colombia 3:0 (25:20, 25:21, 25:14)
USA – Portugal 3:0 (25:19, 25:22, 25:17)
Netherlands
The Dutch demonstrated resilience in tough matches, especially against Qatar, which they won in four close sets. Their clash with Romania was also tight, but the Netherlands prevailed thanks to their serving (10 aces vs 4).
Netherlands – Qatar 3:1 (25:18, 25:23, 26:28, 25:23)
Netherlands – Romania 3:0 (25:23, 26:24, 26:24)
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is making its way back to the elite of world volleyball. After a dramatic 3:2 win over Slovenia, they sealed a playoff spot ahead of schedule.
Germany – Bulgaria 0:3 (38:40, 22:25, 20:25)
Slovenia – Bulgaria 2:3 (19:25, 14:25, 25:18, 25:23, 13:15)
The 2025 World Championship is only halfway through the group stage, but the tension is already sky-high. In the coming matchdays, the remaining playoff participants will be determined.
