Cuba saw off Russia to stay top of Pool A, USA swept past Korea to lead Pool C while Germany beat Bulgaria to move ahead in Pool D.
Elsewhere France defeated Italy, Serbia held of Japan and Argentina saw off Portugal.
“It was a very close match, it wasn’t easy but it was important since it was the first time that we beat Bulgaria,” Germany coach Vital Heynen said. “We made one more step to the path to the final phase of the World League. We still didn’t make history but we are very close to it.”