Overcoming the odds to defeat the USA, Bulgaria advances to the semifinals of the 2025 Men's Volleyball World Championship

However, the match’s turning point occurred in the third set when Bulgaria tightened their blocking and effectively exploited the USA’s mistakes. Opposite hitter Garcia committed multiple errors in attacks and serves, scoring only 9 points with a poor efficiency (-9.84%).

This loss of momentum prevented the USA from maintaining pressure against Bulgaria’s increasingly dynamic play. The European team won the set decisively 25-17, bringing the match to a fourth set.

The fourth set was highly balanced for most of the duration. Both teams fought point by point, but Bulgaria’s players performed better in the crucial final moments.

Despite middle blockers Jendryk and Knigge’s efforts to score, the USA couldn’t stop Bulgaria from claiming a 25-22 win in this set, leveling the match at 2-2.

In the deciding set, Bulgaria’s energized spirit allowed them to take an early lead, even though the USA tried hard to keep up.

As the game went on, Bulgaria’s players stayed calm and focused. They defended excellently and unleashed sharp spikes to pull ahead 14-10. Although the USA scored three points in a row afterward, Bulgaria managed to seal the match with a 15-13 victory, ultimately beating the USA 3-2.

The world’s fourth-ranked team officially ended their campaign in the quarterfinals, while the Bulgarian team proudly secured their spot in the semifinals of the 2025 Men's Volleyball World Championship against the Czech Republic.