Qatar set to face Netherlands in Volleyball World Championship opener

DOHA: The Qatari national volleyball team will launch their 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship campaign tomorrow, Saturday, against the Netherlands in Group B action. The tournament began Friday in the Philippines and runs through September 28, featuring a record 32 international teams.

Qatar, making only its second appearance at the World Championship after debuting in 2022, enters the competition with high hopes of delivering a strong performance. The team has undergone intensive preparations, including a training camp in Doha where they played seven friendlies against Egypt, Iran, and Ukraine. Coach Camilo Sotto used the matches to test player readiness and fine-tune strategies.

Placed in a challenging group alongside defending champions Poland, the Netherlands, and Romania, Qatar is seeking a positive start that reflects the country’s rapid volleyball development and rising ambitions. After facing the Netherlands, the team will take on Poland on September 15 and Romania on September 17.

Meanwhile, Group A opened with Tunisia sweeping host nation Philippines 3-0, giving the North Africans an early lead in their group. With eight groups of four teams each, the top two sides will progress to the knockout stages, promising an exciting battle for places in the next round.

Qatar’s fans will be hoping their team can rise to the occasion and build on recent progress to secure another milestone on the global stage.(QNA)