(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship: Japan, Cuba, and Germany Aim for Redemption in Second Round
The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship enters its second round of pool play on Monday, September 15, with several national teams under pressure to bounce back after surprise defeats in their opening matches.
Among them are Japan, Cuba, and Germany, who will need strong performances to keep their tournament hopes alive as action continues in the Philippines across Pools B, D, E, and G.
Pool B – European Clash for Early Qualification
In Pool B, results went as expected in the first round, with Poland defeating Romania and the Netherlands overcoming Qatar.
On Monday, both European teams return to the court looking to secure back-to-back wins and potentially book a spot in the Round of 16 before the final group stage matches.
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18:00 local time (10:00 GMT): Netherlands vs. Romania
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21:30 local time (13:30 GMT): Poland vs. Qatar
Pool D – Cuba Fight for Survival
After falling to Portugal in four sets, Cuba now face a must-win clash against Colombia to stay in contention.
Meanwhile, the two undefeated teams in the pool, Portugal and USA, will battle later in the day. The winner of that showdown will likely guarantee a place in the next round.
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10:00 local time (2:00 GMT): Cuba vs. Colombia
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21:00 local time (13:00 GMT): USA vs. Portugal
Pool E – Germany Under Pressure
Germany’s straight-set loss to Bulgaria in the opening round left them in a tough position. They must beat Chile to remain competitive.
At the same time, Bulgaria will face Slovenia in a high-stakes European duel, with the winner almost certain to advance.
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13:30 local time (5:30 GMT): Germany vs. Chile
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17:30 local time (9:30 GMT): Slovenia vs. Bulgaria
Pool G – Japan’s Do-or-Die Match Against Canada
One of the biggest shocks of the tournament so far came when Türkiye swept Japan in straight sets. Now, Japan must win against Canada, who defeated Libya in their first game.
Japanese star Ran Takahashi acknowledged the pressure, saying:
“We need to advance, so now we have to win our next two matches. I believe in our team.”
Earlier in the day, Türkiye will have a chance to secure early qualification with a win over Libya.
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10:30 local time (2:30 GMT): Türkiye vs. Libya
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14:00 local time (6:00 GMT): Japan vs. Canada
Monday, September 15 – Full Match Schedule
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10:00 local (2:00 GMT) – Pool D: Cuba vs. Colombia
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10:30 local (2:30 GMT) – Pool G: Türkiye vs. Libya
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13:30 local (5:30 GMT) – Pool E: Germany vs. Chile
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14:00 local (6:00 GMT) – Pool G: Japan vs. Canada
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17:30 local (9:30 GMT) – Pool E: Slovenia vs. Bulgaria
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18:00 local (10:00 GMT) – Pool B: Netherlands vs. Romania
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21:00 local (13:00 GMT) – Pool D: USA vs. Portugal
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21:30 local (13:30 GMT) – Pool B: Poland vs. Qatar
Final Word
The second round of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship promises intense battles as teams like Japan, Cuba, and Germany fight to stay alive in the tournament. Fans can expect thrilling matches, high-stakes drama, and standout performances as the road to the Round of 16 heats up.
