(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025: Pool D Preview – USA, Cuba, Portugal, Colombia
The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship kicks off in the Philippines on September 12, with the historic event being hosted at Manila’s Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena. Pool D promises thrilling action as United States, Cuba, Portugal, and Colombia battle for a spot in the knockout stages.
Pool D Match Schedule:
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Sept 13: USA vs Colombia – 10:00 local / 2:00 GMT
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Sept 13: Cuba vs Portugal – 13:30 local / 5:30 GMT
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Sept 15: Cuba vs Colombia – 10:00 local / 2:00 GMT
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Sept 15: USA vs Portugal – 21:00 local / 13:00 GMT
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Sept 17: Portugal vs Colombia – 10:00 local / 2:00 GMT
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Sept 17: USA vs Cuba – 17:30 local / 9:30 GMT
United States
The U.S. enters its 18th World Championship, aiming to build on past success, including gold in 1986 and bronze in 1994 and 2018. Ranked 6th in the FIVB World Rankings, the team welcomes back star setter Micah Christenson and middle blocker Taylor Averill, alongside Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalists Erik Shoji, Kyle Ensing, and Jeffrey Jendryk, with young outside hitter Cooper Robinson adding depth.
Cuba
Cuba brings its rich volleyball legacy, having appeared in 16 editions of the World Championship with two silver (1990, 2010) and two bronze medals (1978, 1998). Ranked 10th, the team is led by coach Jesús Cruz and stars Robertlandy Simón, Marlon Yant, Miguel Ángel López, José Masso, and Javier Concepción, forming a well-balanced, experienced lineup.
Portugal
Making their third World Championship appearance, Portugal finished 15th in 1956 and 8th in 2002. Ranked 29th, the European squad is coached by João José and anchored by veteran setters Miguel Tavares and Tiago Violas. Key offensive threats include outside hitter Alexandre Ferreira and opposite Lourenço Martins, with libero Ivo Casas holding down the backcourt.
Colombia
Competing at their first-ever World Championship, Colombia qualified after earning bronze at the 2023 South American Championship. Ranked 41st, the team is guided by Brazilian coach Jorge Schmidt, with standout players Andrés Piza Hernández, Juan Felipe Benavides, Riol Roosvuelt, and Leandro Mejía.
With 32 teams across eight pools, the World Championship promises world-class volleyball action from September 12-28. Top two teams from each pool advance to the elimination rounds, with the finals set for September 28. Fans worldwide can stream the action live on VBTV.
