Bulgaria aims to capitalize on its stunning comeback over Team USA as it chases a long-awaited finals return in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship semifinals against Czechia.
Bulgaria looks to ride its momentum into the championship round when it battles Czechia in the semifinals of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship on Saturday, September 27, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Bulgarians are back in the Final Four for the first time in nearly two decades after pulling off a dramatic comeback against the United States in the quarterfinals.
Down two sets, Bulgaria stormed back to shock the Americans, 21-25, 19-25, 25-17, 25-22, 15-13, in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Aleksandar Nikolov led the charge with a monster 29-point performance, highlighted by 26 kills, while Asparuh Asparuhov and Iliya Petkov provided timely support with 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
[ALSO READ: Aleksandar Nikolov wanted win against USA 'incredibly bad' as Bulgaria reaches FIVB Worlds semis]
This marks Bulgaria’s first semifinals appearance since 2006, where they went on to secure a bronze medal. Their best finish remains a silver medal in 1970 against East Germany, along with four total bronzes in their storied history.
Now, with confidence soaring and Nikolov in peak form, Bulgaria has its sights firmly set on returning to the Finals and potentially ending a 55-year wait for another shot at volleyball’s ultimate prize.
First serve is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
[ALSO READ: Final Four: Poland, Italy, Bulgaria, Czechia left standing in FIVB Men’s World Championship]
(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.]