(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship 2025: Pool H Preview – Brazil, Serbia, Czechia, and China Battle for Advancement
The stage is set in Manila, Philippines, as the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship gets underway from September 12 to 28. For the first time ever, the volleyball-loving Philippines will host the prestigious tournament, with matches spread across the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
This year marks a historic edition, as 32 national teams compete for the trophy under the new format, where the World Championship will now take place every two years.
Tournament Format
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Pool stage: September 12–18 (8 pools of 4 teams each).
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Round of 16: September 20–23.
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Quarterfinals: September 24–25.
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Semifinals: September 27.
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Final & Bronze Medal Match: September 28.
The top two teams from each pool will advance to the elimination rounds.
Pool H: Brazil, Serbia, Czechia, China
Four strong teams will compete for just two spots in the Round of 16.
Match Schedule (Local Time)
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Sept 14: Serbia vs. Czechia – 17:30
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Sept 14: Brazil vs. China – 21:00
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Sept 16: Brazil vs. Czechia – 10:00
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Sept 16: Serbia vs. China – 21:00
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Sept 18: Brazil vs. Serbia – 10:00
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Sept 18: Czechia vs. China – 21:00
Brazil
Brazil enters as a volleyball powerhouse, ranked No. 3 in the world. With legendary coach Bernardo ‘Bernardinho’ Rezende leading once again, Brazil aims to add to its rich history of three World Championship titles (2002, 2006, 2010). Key players include setter Fernando ‘Cachopa’ Kreling, opposite Darlan de Souza, outside hitter Ricardo Lucarelli, and middle blocker Flavio Gualberto.
Serbia
Currently ranked 12th in the world, Serbia qualified via the FIVB World Ranking. They have a decorated history, with silver in 1998 and bronze in 2010. Under coach Gheorghe Crețu, Serbia’s strength lies in the experience of setter Nikola Jovović, opposite Dražen Luburić, and outside hitters Marko Ivović and Pavle Perić.
Czechia
Making their first return since 2010, Czechia is back for their 17th World Championship appearance. Ranked 21st globally, the team boasts a rich past with gold medals in 1956 and 1966. Head coach Jiří Novák will rely on opposite Marek Šotola, outside hitter Lukáš Vašina, middle blocker Josef Polák, and libero Michael Kovařík to make an impact.
China
Ranked 26th worldwide, China has been a consistent participant, appearing in 15 editions since 1956. Their best finishes came in the late 1970s and early 1980s (7th place twice). With Belgian coach Vital Heynen in charge, China’s lineup could see the return of star outside hitter Jingyin Zhang, alongside setter Yaochen Yu, middle blocker Yongzhen Li, and opposite Chuan Jiang.
Final Word
Pool H promises thrilling clashes, with Brazil as favorites but Serbia, Czechia, and China all determined to fight for a spot in the knockout stages. Fans worldwide can catch all the action live from Manila as the road to the 2025 Volleyball Men’s World Championship title begins.
