Belgium stun Italy at Volleyball World Championship and qualify for last 16
The Belgian men’s volleyball team pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory over Italy, the defending world champions, in their second match at the Volleyball World Championship on Tuesday. The victory secured Belgium a spot in the tournament's last 16.
Belgium came out swinging, taking the first two sets. But Italy, ranked number two in the world and rich in tournament experience, clawed their way back to level the match at 2-2. The tiebreak was a nail-biting decider, but Belgium held their nerve, closing out the set 15-13.
"I am incredibly proud," said captain Sam Deroo. In particular, he praised 19-year-old libero Gork Lantsoght. "He was amazing, as was the entire team (...) We have a very good foundation and a unique balance in the squad."
"We have a very good foundation and a unique balance in the squad"
Belgium opened their World Championship campaign in Manila with a 3-0 win over Ukraine on Sunday. That means the team have already secured their place in the last 16. Their final group match against Algeria is scheduled for Thursday at 8.00 Belgian time, which could see Belgium top the group.
This year’s World Cup features 32 countries, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage. In the last 16, Belgium’s group will face Pool C, which includes two-time Olympic champions France, Argentina, Finland and South Korea.
It is Belgium's first World Championship since 2018, when they finished 10th in 2018. The team failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament. The country's best result remains an eighth-place finish in 1970.
The Belgian team celebrate a point in their victory over Italy in Manila, the Philippines, 16 September 2025 © PHOTO SHERWIN VARDELEON / AFP
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