United States and Cuba qualify for Quarterfinals

at Men’s U21 World Championship

August 27, 2025.- The United States maintained their unbeaten streak with a straight-set victory over Bulgaria this Wednesday in the Round of 16, being one of the teams that remain undefeated and that advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship 2025 in Jiangmen.

Iran, Czechia and Italy also advanced with flawless records, while France, Cuba, Poland and China joined them to complete the lineup of the top eight.

The Americans kept their momentum going with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-20) win, leaving Bulgaria trailing from the start. Sean Kelly led the attack with 13 points, Jackson Cryst contributed 11, and setter Tread Rosenthal added four blocks as part of a dominant defensive performance.

Each set followed a similar pattern, with USA taking early leads and never relinquishing control. Their 34 kills and 11 team blocks reflected the balance across the entire rotation.

Cuba had to fight harder, overcoming Egypt in extended sets before closing 3-0 (30-28, 27-25, 25-17). Opposite Daniel Martínez finished with 28 points, while Félix Ernesto Rodríguez Hernández added 10. Captain Hamza Awad (Elsafy) scored 20 for Egypt, but did not have enough support to force a fourth set.

On August 29, the United States will play for a spot in the Semifinals against France at 11 AM (local time), while Cuba will face Italy at 8 PM (local time).