DOHA : Iran were crowned champions of the FIVB Boys’ U17 World Championship Doha 2026 after beating France 3-1 in the final at the Ladies Sports Hall in Aspire Zone on Saturday.
Iran won 25-18, 25-15, 22-25, 25-12 to complete an unbeaten campaign and claim the gold medal, with France taking silver and Brazil bronze.
Iran dominated the opening two sets before France fought back to take the third, but the Asian side quickly regained control and closed out the fourth set comfortably.
Iran had topped Group E with a perfect record before beating Chinese Taipei in the round of 16, edging Pakistan 3-2 in the quarter-finals and defeating Argentina in straight sets in the last four.
France also entered the final unbeaten after topping Group A. They beat Spain and Romania in the knockout stages before recovering from a set down to defeat Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals.
Brazil secured third place by beating Argentina 3-0 in the bronze-medal match.
Qatar Volleyball Association President Ali bin Ghanem Al Kuwari praised the tournament’s high technical standard and said the competition highlighted the development of youth volleyball and the emergence of a new generation of players.
The championship was the first U17 World Championship to be staged in the Middle East, Asia or Africa, following the inaugural edition in Bulgaria in 2024.
Qatar officials also highlighted the event as an opportunity to strengthen the country’s experience in hosting major international competitions and provide young players with exposure to different styles of volleyball.
