Canada Ends 32-Year Olympic Drought and Qualifies for LA 2028

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, August 29, 2026 – Canada defeated host Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-15, 20-25, 25-23, 25-14) in the final of the NORCECA Women’s Continental Olympic Qualifier at the “Prof. Ricardo Gioriver Arias” Volleyball Palace, securing its berth in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Canada will return to the Olympic stage after a 32-year absence. The Canadian women’s last Olympic appearance came at the Atlanta 1996 Games.

Canada controlled the opening set after breaking a 6-6 tie. The Canadians built a 16-10 advantage and continued to pull away behind their attacking pressure and strong serving, closing the set 25-15.

The Dominican Republic responded in the second set. After the score was tied at 19, the hosts scored four consecutive points to take a 23-19 lead. Canada saved one set point, but Brayelin Martínez’s attack and a service ace by Gaila González completed the 25-20 win and tied the match.

The third set proved decisive. Neither team was able to establish a comfortable advantage, and the score remained tied at 21. Canada then moved ahead 24-21, but the Dominican Republic saved two set points to close the gap to one. Emily Maglio responded with an attack through the middle to give Canada the set 25-23 and a 2-1 lead.

Canada took command in the fourth set after a 7-7 tie, opening a 15-11 advantage before extending the margin to 19-12. Alexa Gray delivered the match-winning attack to complete the 25-14 victory and seal Canada’s Olympic qualification.

Canada held the advantage in attacks (56-40), blocks (8-7), and aces (8-3). The Dominican Republic committed 23 errors, while Canada registered 27.

Kiera Van Ryk and Alexa Gray led Canada with 22 points apiece. Van Ryk scored on 20 attacks and two aces, while Gray produced 18 attacks and four aces. Nyadholi Thokbuom followed with 11 points, including seven blocks.

For the Dominican Republic, captain Brayelin Martínez finished with 19 points, while Yonkaira Peña added 13.

Giovanni Guidetti – Head Coach of Canada

“I have to congratulate my players because today the Dominican Republic played like the great team it is. Brayelin Martínez was unstoppable, and so was Yonkaira Peña. We had some difficult moments in the second and third sets, but the players believed in themselves and remained focused on the match. They deserved it.”

Marcos Kwiek – Head Coach of the Dominican Republic

“We faced an opponent that played very well. In fact, they played very well throughout the tournament. I don’t think we played at the level we should have, but we fought, and that is what matters. I think we could have battled a little more at the end of the third set, but this is the game, and the team that played better won.”