Canada Secures U19 World Championship

Berth and Advances Directly to Semifinals

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, July 21, 2026. – Canada secured its place at the 2027 FIVB Girls' U19 World Championship and earned a direct berth to the semifinals of the NORCECA Girls' U19 Continental Championship after defeating Costa Rica in straight sets 3-0 (25-21, 25-14, 25-13) in the match for first place in Pool C.

Canada advanced as the top-ranked pool winner of the Preliminary Round, while the United States claimed the second direct semifinal berth. With those results, both teams also qualified for the FIVB Girls' U19 World Championship.

The remaining two World Championship berths will be awarded to the winners of the quarterfinal matches.

In Wednesday's quarterfinal action, Costa Rica will face Puerto Rico, while Mexico will take on the Dominican Republic. The winners will advance to the semifinals and secure qualification to the World Championship.

Canada controlled the key statistical categories, leading Costa Rica in attacks (40-19), blocks (9-1), and service aces (9-4), although the Canadians committed more unforced errors (24-17).

Chantels Peters led Canada's offense with 17 points, while Kellyn Mbonjo added 11. For Costa Rica, Luciana Vargas finished with a team-high 10 points.

Following the victory, Canada's head coach Natasha Spalling said: "We've worked really hard to get to this point. Advancing to the semifinals is a great achievement for Team Canada. This group has worked extremely hard, and we want to keep moving forward all the way to the final. I think the team started the match a little nervous because it was such an important one, but then they settled in and started doing the right things."

Costa Rica's leading scorer Luciana Vargas added: "We gave everything we had on the court, but I think we still had a little more to give. Now we have to focus on our next challenge. We've prepared a lot for this event, and I think we've shown that in all of our matches."