Overview
- Argentina edged France 3–2 in Quezon City (26–28, 23–25, 25–21, 25–20, 12–15), sealing a group-stage exit for the reigning double Olympic champions.
- Only two teams advanced from Pool C, and the earlier 3–2 defeat to Finland turned the Argentina match into a must-win that France failed to take.
- Earvin Ngapeth, managing a right-knee tendinopathy, was substituted again, while Trévor Clévenot (knee) and Nicolas Le Goff (abdominal) were managed through the tournament, fueling scrutiny of lineup choices against Finland.
- Outside hitter Luciano Vicentin led Argentina with 22 points, repeatedly halting France’s late surge in the decisive set.
- The exit marks France’s first early departure from a major event since 2016 and its first World Championship first-phase elimination since 1982, prompting questions about veteran futures and a potential rebuild.