TEHRAN - Iran captured the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U-17 World Championship title after defeating France 3-1 in the final in Doha, Qatar, completing a seven-match winning run.
Iran produced another commanding performance on Saturday to claim the gold medal at the second edition of the FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U-17 World Championship.
The Iranian youngsters won the final 25-18, 25-15, 22-25, 25-12 against France.
The result gave Iran its first world title at the under-17 level.
The victory completed a perfect seven-match campaign for Iran.
The team had already defeated Algeria, Chinese Taipei twice, Pakistan twice and Argentina on its way to the final.
Iran had also entered the knockout phase as the winner of Pool E after winning all three of its preliminary-round matches. The tournament then moved into a 16-team knockout stage.
In the knockout rounds, Iran defeated Chinese Taipei 3-0 in the round of 16 and edged Pakistan 3-2 in the quarterfinals. It then swept Argentina 3-0 in the semifinals.
France reached the final after overcoming Brazil 3-1 in the other semifinal. The French side had also been unbeaten in the preliminary phase.
Brazil claimed the bronze medal after defeating Argentina in the third-place match.
Iran also dominated the individual awards.
Sina Hazrati was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and best opposite spiker.
Iran’s Monib Sheikh was selected as the best middle blocker, while Akam Ebrahimnezhad was named the best setter.
The 2026 championship was only the second staging of the FIVB Boys’ U-17 World Championship. The inaugural edition was held in 2024, with Italy taking the title.
President, Parliament Speaker Hail Volleyball World Championship
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Muhammad Bagher Qalibaf have praised Iran’s Under-17 men’s national volleyball team for winning the world championship.
On Sunday, Pezeshkian congratulated the players, coaches, their families and Iran’s sports community on the title, describing the achievement as a source of pride for the country.
He stressed that the victory reflected the talent, determination and self-confidence of Iran’s younger generation and highlighted the importance of supporting young athletes.
“When we trust them and provide opportunities for them to demonstrate their abilities, they can achieve honors at the highest global level,” Pezeshkian stated.