There’s no big secret behind Czechia’s remarkable run to the semifinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, highlighted by their four-set victory over Iran at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Thursday evening.
Though not considered among the favorites in their group—having been placed alongside powerhouse Brazil—Czechia has surprised many with their surge into the tournament’s late stages. Now just two wins away from the championship, head coach Jiri Novak reflected on the team’s journey.
“I don’t really know [what makes this team unique]. I knew that in this team, I had players with big, big potential. I saw a lot of positive things during practices,” he said after their 22-25, 27-25, 25-20, 25-21 win over Iran.
Now riding a three-game winning streak, Czechia will aim for a finals berth against Bulgaria, which outlasted Team USA in their own quarterfinal battle.
“We will play against one of two big teams, Bulgaria or the USA. We will see, we will see. Bulgaria is a young team, and the USA also, because they are preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games. We will see,” Novak said prior to the Bulgaria-USA match.
The semifinals are set for Saturday, September 27, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, followed by the championship and bronze medal matches on Sunday, September 28. The other semifinal will feature World No. 1 Poland against defending champion Italy.
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