Poland, Italy, Bulgaria, and Czechia have secured their spots in the semifinals of the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship, each following a very different yet equally compelling path to the semifinals.
After nearly two weeks of high drama, upsets, and unforgettable matches, the field of 32 has been whittled down to just four.
Poland, Italy, Bulgaria, and Czechia are the last teams standing at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, each carving its own path to the semifinals at the Mall of Asia Arena.
World No. 1 Poland
The reigning world No. 1 booked its fourth straight World Championship semifinal appearance after dispatching Turkiye in straight sets, 25-15, 25-22, 25-18.
Wilfredo Leon led a balanced scoring attack, while Bartosz Kurek continues to provide grit for the 2022 runner-ups.
With a deep roster and a perfect record, the Poles continue to look like the team to beat.
[ALSO READ: Wilfredo Leon hungry for elusive gold medal with Poland in FIVB World Championship]
World No. 2 Italy
Defending champions Italy erased memories of their group-stage stumble against Belgium with a convincing quarterfinal sweep, 25-13, 25-18, 25-21.
Simone Giannelli steered the Azzurri’s fluid attack while Roberto Russo anchored the frontline.
For the Italians, it’s a third straight Final Four appearance, proof that their reign is far from over.
[ALSO READ: Mattia Bottolo emphasizes Italy's 'outsider' mentality in hunt for back-to-back FIVB Worlds titles]
World No. 9 Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s magical run lived another day after the world No. 9 stormed back from two sets down to stun Team USA, 21-25, 19-25, 25-17, 25-22, 15-13.
Aleksandar Nikolov exploded for 29 points while his younger brother, setter Moni, orchestrated the comeback.
With the victory, Bulgaria is in the semifinals for the first time since 2010, still undefeated in Manila.
[ALSO READ: Aleksandar Nikolov wanted win against USA 'incredibly bad' as Bulgaria reaches FIVB Worlds semis]
World No. 17 Czechia
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the tournament, world No. 17 Czechia is now just two wins away from the podium after outlasting Iran in four sets, 22-25, 27-25, 25-20, 25-21.
Patrik Indra and Lukas Vasina powered the attack, while Jan Galabov steadied the floor.
This marks Czechia’s first Top 4 finish since the split of Czechoslovakia, and its best run as an independent nation.
[ALSO READ: Patrik Indra proud of Czechia’s historic FIVB MWCH run: ‘We’re living our dreams’]
Semifinal battles await
With the Final Four cast complete, the semifinals tomorrow, September 27, promise fireworks:
Poland vs Italy — a clash between the world’s top two-ranked teams, both perennial contenders.
Bulgaria vs Czechia — a duel between two former powerhouses looking to continue their inspired run in the tournament.
The winners will battle for gold on Sunday, September 28, while the losers contest the bronze medal match earlier that day.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.