Doha, August 24 (QNA) - The Round of 16 of the FIVB U-17 Volleyball World Championship "Doha 2026" will begin Tuesday, with eight strong matches as the tournament enters its knockout stage. The competition is being held in Doha and runs until Aug. 29.

France will face Spain, while Italy will meet Argentina. Pakistan will take on Egypt, Romania will play Tunisia, Brazil will face India, Iran will meet Chinese Taipei, Bulgaria will face Venezuela, and Poland will conclude the round against Turkiye.

The Round of 16 lineup was completed today following the conclusion of the group stage, which featured strong competition among the 20 participating teams. France topped Group A with nine points, followed by Tunisia with six and Venezuela with three, while Qatar finished without points.

In Group B, defending champions Italy topped the standings with nine points, followed by Romania with six and India with three, while Cuba were eliminated.

Brazil topped Group C with eight points, ahead of Poland with seven and Argentina with three, while Mexico were eliminated.

Bulgaria finished first in Group D with nine points, followed by Egypt and Turkiye with four points each. Spain qualified as the best fourth-placed team with one point.

Iran topped Group E with a perfect nine points, followed by Pakistan with six and Chinese Taipei with two, while Algeria were eliminated.

President of the Qatar and West Asia Volleyball Federations Ali bin Ghanem Al Kuwari said the second edition of the U-17 World Championship has featured a high technical level.

He noted that Qatar's hosting of the event for the first time in the Middle East and Asia, with the participation of 20 national teams, further reflects Doha's growing status as a host of major international sporting events.

Al Kuwari said the championship has attracted significant attention from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), noting that FIVB President Fabio Azevedo will arrive in Doha next Thursday to attend part of the competition.

He said the FIVB President's presence reflects the importance of the event and the strong confidence Qatar enjoys, adding that hosting a championship of this scale provides an opportunity to showcase Doha's organizational capabilities and contribute to the development and expansion of volleyball across the region.

Al Kuwari also praised the large crowds attending the matches, noting the notable presence of Arab, Asian and foreign communities in Doha, which has created a vibrant atmosphere and contributed to the tournament's success among fans. (QNA)