Czechia and Iran clash in a historic quarterfinal showdown at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, with both nations chasing a rare semifinal berth.
Czechia and Iran square off in a battle of breakthrough squads when they meet in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship on Thursday, September 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Czechia booked its ticket to the Last 8 with a composed 25-19, 25-18, 25-23 sweep of Tunisia.
The Czechs rallied behind Patrick Indra, Jan Galabov, and Lukas Vasina, who helped overturn an 8-15 third-set deficit before sealing the win down the stretch.
Indra led with 14 points, while Galabov and Vasina chipped in 13 apiece to secure the nation’s first quarterfinal berth in 39 years.
[ALSO READ: Jan Galabov hopes Czechia's historic FIVB Worlds run inspires volleyball back home]
Iran, meanwhile, continued its string of cardiac thrillers with a five-set victory over Serbia, 23-25, 25-19, 24-26, 25-22, 15-9, to complete the quarterfinal cast.
Ali Hajipour and Morteza Sharifi starred with 23 points each, while Ali Haghparast added 18 in the hard-fought triumph.
It was the second straight five-set survival for the defending Asian Games champions, who also outlasted Alas Pilipinas in their final Pool A matchup.
[ALSO READ: Roberto Piazza points to Alas Pilipinas clash as Iran's crucial turning point in FIVB Worlds run]
Their return to the Last 8 marks their best finish since 2014 in Poland.
With Czechia chasing history and Iran carrying Asia’s banner, Thursday’s clash promises high drama as both sides aim for a coveted semifinal spot.
First serve is set for 3:30 p.m.
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]