AVC 2026: Japan and Iran stay perfect as Chinese Taipei claim first win in Fukuoka

The pool stage of the 2026 Asian Men's Volleyball Championship in Fukuoka, Japan, has revealed a clearer picture of the continental pecking order. Japan and Iran both remain unbeaten and have not dropped a single set. Their performances carry extra importance because the tournament is a direct qualifier for the 2028 Olympic Games and the 2027 World Championship. Japan are making good use of home-court advantage. Against Australia, Yuji Nishida scored 16 points with an 82% spike success rate, one of the most impressive individual numbers of the pool stage. Ran Takahashi added 13 points and five aces against Bahrain. Iran, meanwhile, are relying on opposite hitter Poriya Khanzadeh, who scored 20 points, while two outside hitters contributed 11 each. Chinese Taipei earned their first victory in the tournament, led by captain Chang Yu-Sheng's six successful blocks. India are still waiting for other results: captain Vinith Charles scored 19 points, including several kill blocks, but India's quarterfinal fate depends on the Oman-Bahrain match. Under the competition format, a 3-0 or 3-1 win earns three points, a 3-2 win earns two, and a 2-3 loss earns one. Only pool winners are guaranteed direct quarterfinal places, while third-placed teams must wait for results from other pools. Japan and Iran can be pleased with their attacking flow, but tougher blocking and defense in the knockout rounds will require more tactical variety.