The Belgian side clinched an impressive 25-23, 25-16, 22-25, 28-26 win over the Olympic bronze medallists in Pool B1 at the SPC Vojvodina in the Serbian city.

Bram van den Dries was the star performer for Belgium as he racked up 20 points, with Sam Deroo chipping in with 18.

Benjamin Patch was the game's leading scorer with 21 but his efforts proved to be in vain as the American team fell to a surprise loss at the hands of the resurgent Belgians.

Serbia bounced back from their defeat to Belgium by dispatching Canada 25-23, 25-21, 20-25, 25-20.

France were also in good form today as they maintained their perfect start to the season with victory over Argentina in Pool C1 in Kazan.

The European nation, who have not yet dropped a set, made light work of their South American opponents, prevailing 25-17, 27-25, 25-22 at the Kazan Volleyball Centre.

"It was difficult to play today because all players are tired due to game rhythm," France coach Laurent Tillie said.

"We wanted to win and I am satisfied because the team played very well and we did not expect that we win all three games."

Russia were not able to harness the energy of the home crowd in the other Pool C1 contest today as Bulgaria came from two games down to beat the host nation 21-25, 15-25, 25-22, 27-25, 15-13.

Brazil sealed their second win in a row in Pool A1, disappointing the home crowd by inflicting a four-set defeat on hosts Italy at the Adriatic Arena in Pesaro.

The Olympic champions, whose victory at last year's Games on home soil in Rio de Janeiro provided one of the memorable moments of the event, won 25-15, 17-25, 25-23, 25-22.

In the other match in the pool, Iran overcame Poland 18-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-22.