The spotlight of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship won’t just shine on the hosts.
Over in Pool B, a fascinating mix of pedigree, firepower, and fresh storylines will unfold at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Traditional powerhouse Poland, European returnee Romania, rising challenger Qatar, and a retooling Netherlands side will clash in a round-robin format, where only two squads will advance to the knockout rounds.
Here’s everything you need to know about the four squads in Pool B.
Poland
Poland enters Pool B as the highest-ranked team in the world and a perennial powerhouse. The three-time world champions (1974, 2014, 2018) have medaled in multiple recent editions of the World Championship and are also the reigning European champions.
This will be Poland’s 19th World Championship appearance, and their depth of talent and experience make them the on-paper favorites to top Pool B.
The team is coached by Serbian legend Nikola Grbic and boasts a roster stacked with stars at every position.
Key players to watch:
Bartosz Kurek –. A clutch performer who led Poland to back-to-back world titles, Kurek provides leadership and a reliable scoring punch in crucial moments.
Wilfredo Leon – Known for his explosive jumps and blistering serves, León’s scoring prowess and serving aces make him a constant threat to any opponent.
With their pedigree and star-studded lineup, Poland is widely expected to lead Pool B and make a deep run in the tournament.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a team with a proud history and is looking to revive past glories.
The Dutch were once a dominant force and returned for their 14th World Championship appearance after qualifying via world ranking.
Currently ranked around the world’s top 15, the Netherlands appointed English coach Joel Banks in early 2025 to usher in a new generation.
Key players to watch:
Nimir Abdel-Aziz – The Netherlands’ superstar opposite, widely regarded as one of the most prolific scorers and servers in international volleyball.
Thijs ter Horst – The experienced outside hitter has been a mainstay for the Dutch and will shoulder a heavy scoring load alongside Nimir.
Under coach Banks, the “Oranje” are in a rebuilding phase but still have enough star power to challenge any opponent. They will aim to translate Nimir’s firepower and a cohesive team effort into a top-two pool finish and a spot in the Round of 16.
Qatar
Qatar comes into Pool B as an emerging team in international volleyball. This will be Qatar’s second World Championship appearance, after a momentous debut in 2022.
They qualified by earning bronze at the 2023 Asian Championship and are currently ranked No. 21 in the world.
Under Argentine coach Camilo Andres Soto, Qatar has made rapid progress in recent years, signaling that it can compete with higher-ranked teams
Key players to watch:
Youssef Oughlaf – A veteran outside hitter and Qatar’s on-court leader, Oughlaf is often the go-to scorer for the team.
Papemaguette Diagne – A towering middle blocker, the 20-year-old Diagne represents the younger generation of Qatari players and has become a key figure in their front line.
Qatar may be considered underdogs in Pool B, but they have their sights set on pulling off upsets and fighting hard for a chance to advance to the knockout rounds.
Romania
Romania makes a long-awaited return to the World Championship stage in 2025. This will be Romania’s 11th appearance at the tournament, but their first since 1982, ending a 43-year absence.
In the sport’s early decades, Romania was a regular medal contender, winning the World Championship silver in 1956 and 1966, bronze in 1960 and 1962, and even claimed a European Championship title in 1963.
Behind a renewed investment and the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme, Romania has rebuilt a solid foundation and earned qualification for 2025 via the world ranking route.
They enter Pool B as a lower-ranked side at world No. 25, but with a sense of pride and optimism about competing again at the highest level.
Key players to watch:
Adrian Aciobanitei – A dynamic 27-year-old outside hitter who leads Romania’s offense, Aciobani?ei brings valuable experience and is a reliable point scorer on the wings.
Alexandru Rata – The team’s primary opposite hitter and another focal point of the Romanian attack, Rata was among the top performers for Romania in recent competitions.
While their return to the World Championship is already a victory in itself, Romania will still try to pull off a surprise and assert itself as a regular presence on the global volleyball stage.
Pool B Match Schedule
Sept. 13 (Sat), 6:00 PM – Netherlands vs Qatar
Sept. 13 (Sat), 9:30 PM – Poland vs Romania
Sept. 15 (Mon), 6:00 PM – Netherlands vs Romania
Sept. 15 (Mon), 9:30 PM – Poland vs Qatar
Sept. 17 (Wed), 10:30 AM – Qatar vs Romania
Sept. 17 (Wed), 6:00 PM – Poland vs Netherlands
Only the top two teams from Pool B will advance to the Round of 16, making every game crucial in the race for a knockout berth.
Each squad will treat their pool matches as virtual do-or-die encounters, knowing that even a single victory could be the difference in moving on to the elimination rounds.
Tickets for the FIVB World Championship is available via www.philippineswch2025.com