The London 2012 Olympic gold medallists proved far too strong for Iran, dominating proceedings throughout their 26-24, 25-18, 25-18 success in Pool H1.

Egor Kliuka topped the scoring charts for Russia as he notched 13 points, while Mojtaba Mirzajanpour managed 12 for the defeated Iranians.

The result saw Russia pick up their fourth straight World League victory and ensured they progressed to the next round.

Elsewhere, France won their second consecutive match at the tournament by sweeping aside hosts Belgium in Antwerp.

The French team, winners of the World League in 2015, were in commanding form and made light work of their opponents in a 25-21, 25-16, 25-16 victory in Pool I1.

Thibaut Rossard starred for France, scoring 15 points to help his side record their eighth win of the group one phase.

They remain top of the overall 12-team table, which all the mini-pools feed into.

In the other match in the pool, Canada inflicted a second loss in as many days on Olympic silver medallists Italy.

Canada, who were beaten by France yesterday, fought back from a set down to earn a 20-25, 25-22, 25-14, 25-22 win.

Their success kept them in the hunt for a spot in the final six, with Sharone Vernon-Evans leading the way with 12 points.

Olympic bronze medallists the United States silenced the home crowd in Lodz by beating Poland in four sets, 29-31, 25-17, 27-25, 25-20.

In Pool G1, Olympic champions Brazil overcame Serbia, the 2016 World League winners, 25-22, 25-16, 17-25, 25-23 in Cordoba in Argentina.

The host nation also won as they beat Bulgaria 25-16, 25-21, 23-25, 25-19.