Pool A is ridiculous and OBVIOUSLY the host team is there
Why is it a surprise? The host is always seeded as 1 and get the 8th and 9th position in the overall ranking. To me, the odd part is why Argentina is in Pool A but not DOM that is actually the 9th in the world ranking. Maybe they use the serpentine system only for top 8 and 'draw' rest of the teams
By the way, I agree on final 16. Apparently, FIVB doesn't want to take the risk of that Japan might be eliminated in such an early stage. Then at least, there should be quarterfinals as in OG. This formula is so pointless Which group do you guys think is the hardest one?