USA secured a spot in the Round of 16 of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship after recording another sweep, this time against Portugal, 25-19, 25-22, 25-17, to the delight of a sizable Monday night crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Americans, ranked fifth in the world, are now 2-0 in Pool D with six points and no sets dropped, making them the first team from the group to qualify for the knockouts.
“We had the luxury of a five-week training block back home after the VNL. The bonus of not making Finals Week is that we were able to make the best of it—we really worked on our serving, and I think it showed tonight. Lots of aggression, and we put them under some discomfort,” said USA head coach Karch Kiraly, explaining what has made his team so effective in this competition.
The reigning NORCECA champions had only a slight edge in scoring statistics—40-36 in attacks, 8-5 in blocks, and an even 4-4 in aces—but their near-flawless execution gave them the decisive advantage.
USA committed just 13 errors in the 92-minute match, while Portugal made 23, effectively shooting themselves in the foot.
Veteran setter Micah Christenson spread the offense around, with five Americans scoring seven points or more. Gabi Garcia and Jordan Ewert led the way with 12 points each.
“It’s super fun. We’re enjoying the Philippines, enjoying every moment together, and mostly trying to give our all on the court,” said Garcia, who contributed eight attacks, two blocks, and two aces.
Ethan Champlin added 10 points, while middle hitters Merrick McHenry and Jeffrey Jendryk contributed eight and seven points, respectively, for the victors.
Meanwhile, Lourenço Martins spearheaded Portugal’s effort with 12 points, the only double-digit scorer for his side.
Portugal still has a chance to advance to the next round when it faces Colombia on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the same Pasay venue. A win there, combined with a USA victory over Cuba, will secure them a spot in the Round of 16 and avoid a complicated scenario that would otherwise come down to FIVB tiebreak rules.
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