Poland sends Canada home, advances to FIVB Worlds quarterfinals

Poland shook off a Set 2 stumble and overpowered Canada, 25-18, 23-25, 25-20, 25-14, in their Round of 16 clash at the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The world no. 1 Polish shook off the mighty Canadians to advance to the quarterfinals where they will face off with fellow unbeaten team Turkey. 

Kamil Semeniuk led the way for the reigning VNL champions after pouring 18 points laced with five digs while team captain and veteran opposite hitter Bartosz Kurek chipped in 15 markers as they extended their mastery over Canada. 

Before this match, Poland had emerged victorious in all 21 matches they had with Canada in major world-level tournaments. 

Still, the win didn't come without a challenge as Canada rallied late in Set 2 with Jackson Young forcing a 22-all deadlock, but a service error from their side allowed Poland to take a 23-22 lead. 

Fynnian McCarthy converted on an attack before Kurek's attack sailed out as Canada secured the set point at 24-23. Young then came up with a huge block, denying Semeniuk on the opposite side as Canada leveled the game to one set apiece. 

Poland reasserted control in the succeeding sets, with Semeniuk steering them to a commanding 19-11 cushion in the fourth before Wilfredo Leon drilled a thunderous cross-court kill for a 23-13 advantage.

Kurek then delivered the finishing touches, smashing through Nicholas Hoag’s block for the match point before his powerful serve forced Canada into a scramble and a net violation to seal the win.

With the win, Poland's redemption tour at the FIVB Worlds remains alive as they look to make up for their runner-up finish in the previous edition, where they fell to Italy in the finals.  

—JKC, GMA Integrated News