The hosts were in a three-way battle with the United States and Iran for a spot in Round III of the competition, with just two points separating the sides coming into the final matches.

A tough 3-2 victory for Poland in Łódź ensured their place in the next round as they brought an end to France's five-match winning streak across the first two rounds.

The pair will be joined by Iran after the nation pulled off a convincing 3-1 win over fifth-placed Serbia, while the United States, who arguably had the easiest tie of the three, fell to a five set loss to Argentina to end the pool phase in fourth.

In Pool F, Germany made quick work of Canada to end any worries of missing out on a place in the third round, running out convincing 3-0 winners at the Spodek Hall in Katowice.

Germany recorded a convincing 3-0 over Canada to book their spot in the third round of the Volleyball World Championships ©Getty Images



It was a do or die clash between the two sides, with Germany starting the day with a two point cushion over their North American rivals.

Despite a hard fought first set, the Germans powered through to take the tie and join three-time defending champions Brazil and Olympic champions Russia in the final six.

The third stage of the tournament, following a drawing of the lots that took place in Łódź, will have France, Germany and Iran battling in Pool G in Katowice and Poland, Brazil and Russia competing in Pool H in Łódź.

The top two ranked teams of each pool, after a round-robin affair, will advance to the semi-finals, while the two lowest placed will battle for fifth and sixth.

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