Bulgaria Advances to FIVB Men’s World Championship Quarterfinals with Straight-Set Win Over Portugal

Bulgaria showcased their superiority against Portugal with a decisive 25-19, 25-23, 25-13 triumph on Monday, claiming a place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Aleksander Nikolov led the charge for Bulgaria, contributing 19 points from 17 attacks, one block, and an ace, guiding his team to victory in just one hour and 33 minutes.

"I am super happy we are in the top eight. We were confident. We are gaining confidence with each game, with each set, with each point... And it is key to winning some big games like this one today," Nikolov remarked after the match.

Additional support came from outside hitter Martin Atanasov, who added nine points through five attacks, three blocks, and an ace, and team captain Aleks Grozdanov, who contributed eight points with five attacks, two blocks, and one ace. This win marks Bulgaria’s first quarterfinal berth in the tournament since 2002.

Bulgaria is now set to face the winner of the USA versus Slovenia match in the next knockout round.

Portugal was led by outside hitter Lourenco Martins, who scored 10 points including six attacks, three aces, and one block, while teammate Nuno Marques contributed six points.

Other teams already secured in the quarterfinals include Turkiye, Poland, Italy, and Belgium.