Pool D: China – CubaHead-to-head- China and Cuba will meet for the seventh time at the World Championship. China won four of the previous six matches (1982, 1986, 2006 and 2010) and Cuba two (both in 1998)
- In 1986 and 1998 these two teams were competing in the final of the World Championship. China took the gold medal in 1986 (3-1) and Cuba won the title in 1998 (3-0).
- The two world championship finals played between these nations ties the record of finals between Brazil and Russia.
- None of their world championship meetings have ended in five sets.
China- China are one of four sides that have not dropped a set after three matchdays in this tournament, the others being Italy, Brazil and Russia.
- China have already won more group matches in the first round of the World Championship than four years ago, when they managed to win only two of their five at this stage.
- The last time China managed to win three or more successive world championship matches in straight sets was 1990 when they won six in a row without dropping a single set.
- China have qualified for the second round, assuring themselves a top 16 finish in this tournament. China have never finished outside the top 14 at the World Championship.
Cuba- Cuba have lost their first three matches in this tournament and are guaranteed to miss out on the second round if they lose this match by 3-1 or 3-0.
- Cuba's worst finish at the World Championship is 12th place, which was their final ranking four years ago.
- Cuba have lost five consecutive world championship matches. Their record losing streak in the competition is six straight from 1970.
Cuba have not won a single set in their last four world championship matches.