Team USA highlight the exciting prospect of Pool D at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship as they go up against Cuba, Portugal, and Colombia.
Team USA are out to play the role of spoiler for up-and-coming teams Cuba, Portugal, and Colombia as they engage in Pool D action at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena.
A mainstay of the Volleyball Nations League and the World Championship, the Americans will be the key antagonist for returnee Portugal and debutant Colombia.
World no. 10 Cuba will also be among the favorites to move forward to the next round from this group.
One Sports takes a gander at all the teams in Pool D ahead of the hostilities.
USA
World Ranking: #6
Team USA will be hoping to make a mark early as the highest-ranked team in their pool, while also testing their skills against younger and wide-eyed teams. But it will be a tall task with a number of key players absent.
With offensive stalwarts TJ DeFalco and Matt Anderson both out of the lineup, the Americans will be leaning on new faces anchored by veteran presence on the taraflex.
After finishing 12th at the VNL earlier this year, Team USA will be vying for a deeper run in Worlds. They last finished on the podium in 2018 when they won the bronze.
Key players to watch:
- Micah Christenson - Long-time playmaker of the USA. Armed with tremendous experience from high-level competitions, Christenson will try to manufacture effective offense with new weapons for the Red, White and Blue.
- Erik Shoji - Fan favorite libero. Shoji will man the defensive end for Team USA in the hopes of giving his team the best offensive opportunities and make the most of their young guns.
- Cooper Robinson - Top performer in the lineup from the VNL. Robinson will try to replicate his scoring prowess – this time at Worlds.
Cuba
World Ranking: #10
After enjoying much of their program’s success up until the 1990s, Cuba is seeking a second wind in its national team run.
The Cubans last finished on the podium at the World Championship back in 2010, when they won the bronze. But with promising players on deck, they are hoping to restart their legacy in the sport’s toughest competition.
Cuba is coming off of a deep run in the 2025 VNL, when the team made it to the knockout round. Despite finishing 7th, Cuba is eyeing more success in another big tournament.
Key players to watch:
- Marlon Yant - Cuba’s main gunner. He finished as the best scorer at the 2025 VNL. With another shot at a deep run – and possibly a podium – he will be the team’s biggest threat.
- Jose Masso - Effective in attack and on defense, Masso will be playing supporting role to Yant’s offensive onslaught as they establish themselves as the team’s 1-2 punch.
Portugal
World Ranking: #29
Portugal will be eyeing a resounding return to the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships as they end a 23-year wait for a chance to strut their stuff on the sport’s biggest stage.
Thanks to recent success in continental tournaments, Portugal is now given the opportunity to take on bigger and better opponents on the world stage. Among the lower-ranked teams in their pool, the Portuguese will be hoping for surprises.
Key players to watch:
- Alexandre Ferreira - A veteran hitter for Portugal. In his role as outside hitter, Ferreira will be taking the reins as a leader of the team both on and off the taraflex.
- Tiago Volas - Another veteran for Portugal, Volas brings decades-long experience in the national team while also boasting a winning resume with local clubs.
Colombia
World Ranking: #41
Coming off of a breakthrough year in 2023, Colombia is making its first-ever appearance at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships.
Taking big strides after podium finishes at the Pan American Games and the South American Championship, the team will try to catch bigger fish in a higher-level tournament. But going up against more experienced opponents, it will be an uphill climb.
Key players to watch:
- Ronald Jimenez - A veteran opposite hitter. Though a journeyman professionally, he is expected to bring tremendous experience to the national team.
- Maicol Isaac Ortiz - Ortiz will be a big contrast to Jimenez as one of the youngest players on the team. Despite his relative lack of experience, Ortiz has made waves in Colombia’s youth teams.
Pool D Match Schedule
- September 13 (Sat), 10:00 a.m. - United States vs Colombia
- September 13 (Sat), 1:30 p.m. - Cuba vs Portugal
- September 15 (Mon), 10:00 a.m. - Cuba vs Colombia
- September 15 (Mon), 9:00 p.m. - United States vs Portugal
- September 17 (Wed), 10:00 a.m. - Portugal vs Colombia
- September 17 (Wed), 5:30 p.m. - United States vs Cuba
Only the top-2 teams from Pool D will move forward to the Round of 16, with each match coming with high-stakes consequences.
With game results swinging the groups drastically, all teams will be on high alert from the get-go.
Tickets for the FIVB World Championship is available via www.philippineswch2025.com