Canada advances to Round of 16 at men’s volleyball championship with upset of Japan

By Canadian Press on September 15, 2025.

QUEZON CITY — Sharone Vernon-Evans had a game-high 14 points as Canada advanced to the Round of 16 at the world men’s volleyball championship with a stunning 3-0 win over Japan on Monday.

Set scores were 25-20, 25-23, 25-22 as Canada improved to 2-0 at the tournament and improved its world ranking to eighth.

No. 7 Japan, the heavy favourite to come out of Pool G, fell to 0-2 and will not advance.

Canada led in attack points (40-33), dominated in blocking points (10-2). Japan had more points from the service line (7-3).

Veteran captain Nick Hoag added 13 points for Canada. Ran Takahashi was Japan’s top scorer with 11.

The Canadians will next face No. 14 Turkey (2-0) on Wednesday with top spot in Pool G on the line.

“This game was an important step for our guys – they executed really well. Blocking was exceptional,” said Canada head coach Dan Lewis.

“Japan has the potential to serve really well, and we didn’t give them any major runs of points when they put the pressure on. And at times our serving game faltered a bit, but our sideout was so strong that it gave us the availability to not be penalized too much for that.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 15, 2025.

The Canadian Press