Doha (GNP): Pakistan’s under-17 volleyball team has advanced to the Round of 16 of the FIVB U17 World Championship 2026, defeating Algeria in straight sets during their Pool E encounter in Doha.
The Green Shirts swept the match 3-0, winning all three sets by identical scorelines of 25-17, 25-17 and 25-17, in a performance that displayed dominance across attack, defence and serving to secure their place in the knockout stage.
Pakistan controlled every facet of the contest statistically, finishing with 37 attack points to Algeria’s 27, while also leading in blocks 11-8 and service points 4-2, and forcing 23 errors from their opponents compared to 15 of their own.
Fahad Ali was the standout performer, top-scoring with 20 points including 16 from attacks, while captain Muhammad Irfan added five points from five attacks, comprising seven attack points and one block point. The win over Algeria marked Pakistan’s second victory of the tournament, following an opening win over Chinese Taipei.
Pakistan had begun their campaign strongly, defeating Chinese Taipei in straight sets 25-20, 25-10 and 25-23, a match in which Fahad Ali scored 13 points and Muhammad Irfan contributed 11, including five attacks, three blocks and three service points.
Pakistan also dominated that contest statistically, recording 36 attack points to Chinese Taipei’s 29, leading blocks 8-7 and service points 6-0, and forcing 18 opponent errors.
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The team then suffered a 3-0 defeat to Iran in their following pool match, before regrouping to defeat Algeria and confirm their qualification for the knockout rounds.
The Round of 16 victory sets up a clash with Egypt on August 25 at the same venue in Doha, with Pakistan carrying momentum from back-to-back wins into the knockout stage.
The result marks a notable milestone for Pakistan’s youth volleyball programme, with the performances of Fahad Ali and Muhammad Irfan pointing to a promising pool of young talent for the sport at the international level.
