World No. 12 Bulgaria completes perfect pool run with Chile sweep

A straight-set play over Chile sealed Bulgaria’s flawless run in Pool E, as the world No. 12 squad surged into the FIVB Men’s World Championship knockout rounds with a spotless 3-0 record.

The Bulgarians left no doubt of their dominance, dismantling Chile, 25-17, 25-12, 25-12, on Wednesday, September 17, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. With the win, Bulgaria secured the top spot in their group and is set to face the Pool D runner-up — likely Portugal or Cuba — in the Round of 16.

This marks Bulgaria’s 11th World Championship appearance, and the European powerhouse is chasing its first podium finish since a bronze medal run in 2006 in Japan.

On the other side, Chile’s return to the world stage after more than four decades ended in disappointment. The South Americans bowed out winless at 0-3 and without a single set won in their first World Championship campaign since 1982.