IQA World Cup 2025: Pool B Preview
Author: Brandon Borges
As the 2025 IQA World Cup approaches, speculation builds around how each pool will unfold. Pool B, featuring five teams from four continents, offers a fascinating blend of styles, philosophies, and pedigree. From host nation Belgium’s pursuit of gold to the raw talent and unpredictability of Mexico and Hong Kong, every matchup in this pool carries intrigue and history.
Pool B Teams
Belgium
The Belgian Gryffins arrive at the 2025 IQA World Cup with one of the most cohesive and battle-tested rosters in the field, and they’ve only grown more formidable since their last IQA appearance. With the tournament being held on home soil in Brussels, the bronze medalists from Richmond return not only their core but also a sharpened identity. Players like Seppe De Wit and Joy Haegemans continue to lead the charge, supported by a chaser unit that excels at passing under pressure and defending physically. This is a team capable of thriving not just on talent, but on adaptability. When tested by physical defenses and disrupted rhythms, Belgium has shown a willingness to adjust, rotating in fresh legs, switching tactical sets and relying on depth to tilt the game back in their favor. Josse Van Steenkiste, in particular, has emerged as a spark plug off the bench: an aggressive, unselfish scorer who consistently brings energy and impact.
Belgium’s biggest growth has come in the beater game. Veterans like Jona Piens and Victor Moortgat bring the control and experience, while Elisabeth Reyniers adds calm efficiency in high-pressure situations. But it’s Louis Lermytte who adds a dangerous dimension — they’re an explosive, unpredictable beater whose fearless aggression can unravel even the most structured offenses. Lermytte’s presence has elevated the team’s ability to control tempo and create chaos. Belgium’s beating corps now not only holds dodgeball control but weaponizes it, enabling their chasers to press high, attack mismatches and exploit defensive cracks. If there’s a concern, it’s that the team can occasionally struggle to finish set offenses when opponents slow the pace. Still, their ability to recalibrate quickly through shifting roles and trusting their system makes them a serious contender. With the home crowd behind them, the Gryffins are in very serious contention in the hunt for gold.
Spain
Spain enters the World Cup as one of the most technically polished and tactically adaptable teams in the tournament. Their hallmark is a crisp, layered passing game that flows through stars like Alberto García and Manuel Estevo Lago. García, in particular, stands out as one of the most complete chasers in Europe: a smart passer, opportunistic defender and dangerous shooter with a growing fast-break arsenal. When Spain is at its best, its offense is a showcase of elegant ball movement, complete with field-flipping passes, smart cuts and fluid spacing that isolate defenders and create efficient scoring opportunities. Jorge Rivas and Sheila Battaler round out a core that thrives on rhythm and anticipation, executing fast breaks and structured sets with poise.
Spain’s defense is equally adaptable, capable of switching between 1-3 zones, 2-1-1 stacks and high presses depending on the matchup. That adaptability, however, can only take them so far if they aren't supported by consistency in the beater game. While Spain’s beaters are creative and capable of smart setups, they occasionally struggle against more physical, high-tempo units. These moments can tilt the game against them, especially when dodgeball control slips or defensive pressure forces the offense out of rhythm. When trailing, Spain can drift into shot-heavy possessions that bypass the fluid passing that defines the team. Even so, their ability to adjust mid-game, develop counter-strategies and rally around standout players makes them a threat to any opponent. If Spain can sharpen its decision-making and develop its beater corps, they’ll be in a strong position to push into the tournament’s top tier.
Mexico
Mexico arrives in Brussels with more intrigue than they’ve brought to any World Cup in recent memory. Historically a middle-of-the-pack finisher, this year’s team features an influx of talent that could shift their trajectory upward, particularly in the beater game. The group is headlined by Kristopher De La Fuente, a seasoned beater known for his timing, transition exchanges and offensive intuition. He’s joined by a revitalized cast: Tad Walters, a physical enforcer who thrives in stripping beaters and disrupting sets; Carlos Elarba, an aggressive thrower who pushes tempo; and promising young additions Gabe Olivo and Camilla Rodriguez. Rounding out the rotation is spark plug Julie Picasso, whose ability to win exchanges with opposing beaters allows her beater partner to wreak havoc on offenses. While the departure of Baldemar Nunez is a tough loss, this year’s beater corps may be Mexico’s best ever. They’re a deep, dangerous unit capable of dictating play against almost any opponent.
At chaser, however, the outlook is more tempered. The team retains Eric Reyes, a veteran with leadership, power and heart, and brings in rising talent Marcos Sandoval. But they lose several of their most impactful players from the last World Cup: David Avila, a prolific scorer with elite finishing instincts; Alejandro Vega, a powerful downhill threat; and John Alvarez, a tone-setting tackler and seeker. This imbalance between units could place pressure on the beater corps to shoulder more of the team’s success. Chemistry will also be a critical factor. Mexico is working with a newly constructed roster that has had limited time together, unlike more established programs in their pool like Belgium and Spain, who benefit from years of continuity and shared systems. Many of their players are stepping into major roles for the first time, often without a shared foundation of gameplay, communication patterns or tournament-tested chemistry. While this raw talent creates room for explosive potential, it also brings unpredictability in execution. The margin for error is smaller, and breakdowns in cohesion, especially between beaters and chasers, could stall momentum before it starts. Mexico must find a rhythm fast to turn potential into results. If they can click, they have the talent to rise out of the pack, but if not, they may once again find themselves in the middle tier, wondering what could’ve been.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong arrives in Brussels with a handful of standout returners, a promising addition in the beater game and an uphill battle ahead. Leading the way is Michael Li, one of the most dynamic chasers in the world. A veteran of the U.S. club circuit and a core player for the MLQ champion New York Titans, Li brings a physical edge, polished driving ability and valuable experience to the squad. Supporting him is Nicholas Fu, a sharp defensive chaser who has shown flashes of offensive growth, particularly as a behind-the-hoops threat, and new addition Joanne Lam , a creative chaser who thrives in broken play situations and can exploit even narrow defensive gaps to generate goals. In the beater game, the addition of Aidan Ng is a major boost. Ng’s quick hands, pump fakes and U.S.-honed instincts give Hong Kong a fighting chance in any dodgeball exchange.
Defensively, Hong Kong can frustrate opponents with disciplined hoop zones and scrappy beater play. They’ve proven capable of forcing turnovers and capitalizing when opposing offenses get rushed. Offensively, however, the team remains overly dependent on Li to create everything. While his individual brilliance often shines, especially when he draws defenders and opens lanes, Hong Kong still needs to build cohesion and offensive flow beyond him. If Li can continue expanding his role into that of a system-setter and others like Fu, Lam and Ng step up, this team could find itself exceeding expectations. But without more reliable options around the ball, they may struggle to keep pace with deeper, more structured teams.
Catalonia
Catalonia enters the 2025 World Cup as one of the most enduring presences in European Quadball, with a program that dates back to 2015. That longevity has fostered strong internal chemistry, and the team continues to carry itself with pride and cohesion. While not expected to make a deep run this year, Catalonia remains a meaningful presence in the tournament, a team that plays with heart, discipline and a clear identity rooted in their shared experience.
On the pitch, Catalonia’s beaters are the heartbeat of their strategy. #23 in particular stands out as a sharp transition player, frequently disrupting opposing plays and jumpstarting fast breaks with smart beats and field awareness. The team often relies on its beater play to compensate for gaps in offensive consistency, and they show a willingness to push tempo when the opportunity presents itself. The chasers are opportunistic; players like #96 and #13 have demonstrated the ability to finish on the run when the right lanes open up.
Defensively, Catalonia typically employs a man-marking scheme or a hybrid triangle-and-one look, adjusting their chaser coverage depending on the threat. Their beaters often play without control, yet remain active and decisive with single-ball defense. While the team lacks the depth and overall speed of top-tier programs, they find success through chemistry, smart play and opportunism. In a tournament filled with rising programs and powerhouse squads, Catalonia may not steal headlines, but they’ll make sure their opponents earn every point.
Pool Overview
With last year’s bronze medalist Belgium entering as the heavy favorite, Pool B promises a tightly contested race for second place with major bracket implications. Belgium’s balance of talent, cohesion and home-field advantage make them the team to beat. But the intrigue lies just beneath, where Spain’s pristine passing, Mexico’s volatile beater corps and Hong Kong’s top-end firepower all bring uniquely dangerous profiles. Even Catalonia, while likely outmatched, carries enough transition savvy and internal chemistry to make teams earn every goal. Every game in this pool has something riding on it, with several matchups offering major stylistic contrasts.
Matchups to Watch
Belgium vs. Mexico (Saturday, 9:30 AM CEST / 3:30 AM EST)
Set for the opening of Day 2, this clash could be the most unpredictable of the pool. Mexico’s newly assembled beater corps, headlined by De La Fuente and Walters, might be the only group in the pool capable of matching or disrupting Belgium’s Lermytte-led tempo. If Mexico can generate dodgeball control and stay composed offensively, they could put real pressure on a Belgian team not used to trailing. But cohesion remains Mexico’s biggest question.
Mexico vs. Spain (Friday, 1:00 PM CEST / 7:00 AM EST)
A potential battle for second place, this game hinges on which team imposes its style. If Spain controls tempo and executes their signature passing rhythm, they could carve up Mexico’s defense. But if Mexico’s beaters can disrupt Spain’s spacing and push them into rushed shots, Spain may revert to bad habits. The winner of this game likely secures the smoother path out of pool play.
Hong Kong vs. Catalonia (Friday, 11:00 AM CEST / 5:00 AM EST)
While not a top-tier matchup, this game may prove pivotal for both teams. Hong Kong enters with elite individual talents in Li, Lam and Ng, a trio that can dominate in space. But Catalonia has shown they can strike in transition and aren’t afraid to shoot early. If Hong Kong’s depth falters or execution slips, Catalonia’s opportunism could turn this into a trap game.
Prediction
Belgium should run the table, finishing 4–0 with few serious stumbles. Mexico’s beater strength and athletic upside give them the edge over Spain, who could struggle with consistency when pressured. Hong Kong’s top-line talent will likely outgun Catalonia, but their overall cohesion may not be enough to steal a game from the top three
Belgium (4–0)
Mexico (3–1)
Spain (2–2)
Hong Kong (1–3)
Catalonia (0–4)
