Cuba U17 vs India U17

The second set was decisive. Cuba, having lost the first comfortably, found rhythm and led late in the set. India's ability to weather that pressure and take it 26-24 effectively broke Cuban resistance. From 1-1 in sets it could have been a different match; instead, India carried that momentum straight through the third.

Several India U17 players stepped up on the big stage. The team's attacking efficiency in transition proved the difference, especially when Cuba's block began to read their patterns late in the second set. India's serving also applied consistent pressure, disrupting Cuba's ability to run a balanced offence.

For Cuba, flashes of quality in the second and third sets showed why they reached the Round of 16 in the 2024 edition, but they lacked the consistency to sustain rallies against a disciplined Indian side making their World Championship debut.

The straight-sets margin (25-18, 26-24, 25-22) tells a story of two close sets sandwiching one one-sided one. The 26-24 second set — decided by just two points — was the pivotal period. India's ability to win the tight moments, particularly on Cuba's better patches, was the difference between a routine win and a potential upset.

India, appearing at their first Boys' U17 World Championship, join Italy (who also won their Pool B opener) on one win in the group. The top two from each pool and the four best third-placed teams advance to the Round of 16. Cuba, competing at their second U17 World Championship after finishing 10th in 2024, now face must-win matches against Italy and Romania to keep their knockout hopes alive.

India's next match is against Romania in Pool B, while Cuba take on defending champions Italy.

A composed, professional start from India in their maiden World Championship appearance. The straight-sets scoreline flatters the margin slightly — the second set could have gone either way — but India deserved the win on balance. Cuba will need to find another gear against Italy and Romania to progress.