The Men's Club World Volleyball Championship in Belém (Brazil) started with convincing victories and dramatic clashes right from the first matches. Italian hegemon Perugia began its campaign without tension, while Polish representative Zawiercie played a true thriller against a strong Brazilian opponent.

Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia – Swehly Sports Club 3:0 (25:10, 25:14, 25:18)

Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia made a flawless debut at the 2025 Club World Championship, defeating Libyan Swehly Sports Club with a decisive 3:0 (25:10, 25:14, 25:18). The Italians, participating in the tournament as Champions League winners, asserted complete control from the very first rallies. The difference in class and pace was evident in every set, with Perugia dominating both serving and blocking. Head coach Angelo Lorenzetti used the match to rotate almost his entire squad, without affecting the quality of play.

In attack, Ben Tara was the top scorer with 10 points, showing consistency and variety in his finishing shots. Middle blocker Loser added 8 points, an impressive 4 of which came from blocks – an indicator of the Italians' superiority at the net. Captain Plotnytskyi contributed with a powerful serve, scoring 4 aces that seriously troubled Swehly's reception. The Libyan team struggled to find an answer, with only Garwash standing out with 9 points. Perugia did exactly what was expected – a secure start and composure before the more serious challenges in Group B. In their next match, the Italians will face Japan's Osaka Bluteon.

Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie – Volei Renata Campinas 3:2 (25:19, 25:27, 25:19, 20:25, 16:14)

Polish volleyball returned to the Club World Championship after a seven-year hiatus in the most dramatic way possible. Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie defeated Brazilian Superliga leader Volei Renata Campinas 3:2 (25:19, 25:27, 25:19, 20:25, 16:14) after a true five-set battle. Michał Winiarski's team started inspired, imposing their will in the very first set with excellent blocking and aggressive serving. Miłosz Zniszczoł and Mateusz Bieniek were key in this element, and Zawiercie deservedly took the lead.

In the second set, the hosts from Campinas raised their level, primarily through stronger serves, and after a fiercely contested game, managed to equalize at 27:25. However, the Polish team reacted maturely and dictated the pace again in the third set, with Bartłomiej Bołądź and Aaron Russell carrying the main load in attack. The fourth set was dominated by the Brazilians, who capitalized on Zawiercie's fluctuations and forced the match into a tie-break.

In the decisive fifth set, Volei Renata first built a lead, but the Polish team showed character and mental resilience. Kwolek's serves and solid blocking brought Zawiercie back into the match, and at 12:12, the Poles' nerves held strong. After a tough battle at the net, Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie snatched a 16:14 victory, recording one of their most valuable international successes. In Group A, the Poles will continue their fight against Al-Rayyan from Qatar, with semi-final chances now looking entirely realistic.

Results – FIVB Club World Championship 2025/26

First Round (December 16–17)

The first round was marked by three decisive victories in three sets and one extremely contested match that went to a tie-break. Osaka and Perugia demonstrated dominance against strong opponents, while Zawiercie showed character and resilience in key moments against Vôlei Renata.

Schedule – Group Stage

The upcoming matches will be crucial for the standings in both groups. The clash between Perugia – Osaka and the Brazilian derby Praia Clube – Vôlei Renata are shaping up to be key in the battle for the top two spots and direct access to the semi-finals.

Final Phase

The format ensures direct eliminations between the best teams from both pools, with every mistake in the group stage potentially leading to a tougher semi-final. This further increases the stakes of each game even before the direct elimination phase.