DOHA : The FIVB U-17 Volleyball World Championship Doha 2026 enters its knockout stage on Tuesday with eight Round of 16 matches after the conclusion of the group phase.
France will face Spain, while defending champions Italy meet Argentina. Pakistan take on Egypt, Romania play Tunisia, Brazil face India, Iran meet Chinese Taipei, Bulgaria play Venezuela and Poland face Turkiye.
France topped Group A with nine points, followed by Tunisia on six and Venezuela on three, while hosts Qatar finished without a point.
Italy led Group B with nine points, ahead of Romania on six and India on three. Brazil topped Group C with eight points, with Poland on seven and Argentina on three.
Bulgaria finished first in Group D with nine points, while Egypt and Turkiye advanced on four each. Spain qualified as the best fourth-placed team with one point.
Iran won Group E with a perfect nine points, followed by Pakistan on six and Chinese Taipei on two.
Qatar and West Asia Volleyball Federation President Ali bin Ghanem Al Kuwari said the tournament had demonstrated a high technical standard.
He said Qatar’s hosting of the 20-team championship for the first time in the Middle East and Asia highlighted Doha’s growing role as a venue for major international sporting events.
Al Kuwari said FIVB President Fabio Azevedo is expected to arrive in Doha on Thursday to attend part of the competition, adding that his presence reflected the importance of the tournament and the confidence placed in Qatar’s organisational capabilities.
He also praised the strong attendance, saying the presence of Arab, Asian and international communities had created a lively atmosphere and contributed to the championship’s success.
