In Manila, three teams—Japan, Canada, and France—dominated their Friday matches, securing their spots in next week’s men’s Volleyball Nations League Finals in Lodz.
Japan defeated the Netherlands 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-20), rising to sixth place with a 7-3 record. Yuji Nishida led with 16 points, while Yuki Ishikawa added 15. The Netherlands, now 13th, are out of the quarterfinals.
Canada upset Brazil 3-0 (26-24, 25-19, 26-24), moving to fourth place. Eric Loeppky scored 21 points, while Brazil remains seventh, still in contention but at risk.
France, the Olympic champions, shut out Iran 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-20), climbing to fifth place. Jean Patry led with 16 points. Iran, at 15th, is out of the running.
Poland’s win over Argentina and Cuba’s victory over Bulgaria also shaped the standings, with Poland in second place and Cuba in eighth.
Slovenia, Poland, Italy, Canada, France, and Japan have secured their spots in the finals. Meanwhile, Brazil and Cuba, currently in 7th and 8th place, are in a strong position to claim the last two spots but remain at risk.