Overview

• Argentina advanced as unbeaten winner of Group C, eliminating two-time Olympic champion France 3–2 to seal first place.
• Key attackers against France were Luciano Vicentín with 22 points and Luciano Palonsky with 17, guided by veteran setter Luciano De Cecco.
• Italy arrives as the defending world champion, finishing second in Group F after a loss to Belgium and a rebound sweep of Ukraine.
• Italian captain Simone Giannelli said Argentina is a very strong opponent following its performance against France, as the Azzurri refocus for the knockouts.
• The bracket has already produced upsets, with France out and Brazil eliminated by Serbia, heightening uncertainty heading into the Manila knockout stage.