Defending champions Poland recorded their fourth straight victory as they swept aside Iran ©FIVB

Defending champions Poland recorded their fourth straight victory as they swept aside Iran to maintain their dominance of Pool D at the International Volleyball Federation Men's World Championships being jointly hosted by Bulgaria and Italy.

The Polish team, aiming to retain the title they earned back in 2014, beat Iran 25-21, 25-20, 25-22 in the Bulgarian city of Varna.

It marked their 11th straight World Championship win, matching their longest streak of victories at the tournament.

Defeat for Iran ruled them out of the running for top spot in the group.

Olympic gold medallists Brazil, who finished as runners-up to Poland four years ago, bounced back from their shock defeat to The Netherlands with a four-set triumph over Canada.

Brazil bounced back from their defeat to The Netherlands by overcoming Canada ©FIVB
Brazil bounced back from their defeat to The Netherlands by overcoming Canada ©FIVB

The Brazilian side recorded a 25-22, 19-25, 25-23, 25-18 victory in Ruse in Bulgaria, inflicting Canada's first defeat of the tournament.

Wallace was the top scorer for Brazil as he amassed a superb individual haul of 24 points.

The win lifted them above Canada in the Pool B behind The Netherlands, who continued their strong start to the event with their fourth success of the competition.

The Dutch claimed a 25-18, 25-21, 23-25, 25-16 victory to cement top spot in the group prior to the last round of matches tomorrow.