Cuba Defeats Mexico to Advance to NORCECA Continental Championship Semifinals

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, August 24, 2026.- Cuba advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 NORCECA Women’s Continental Championship after defeating Mexico 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-20) on Monday at the “Prof. Ricardo Gioriver Arias” Volleyball Palace.

With the victory, Cuba will face Canada in the semifinals on Tuesday, while Mexico will play Costa Rica in a classification match for positions 5-8.

The victory also secured Cuba a berth in the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship.

Mexico remained competitive throughout the match, but Cuba showed greater consistency in the decisive moments of each set. The Cubans held the advantage in attacks (45-40), blocks (8-6), aces (2-1) and committed fewer errors (13-20).

Regla De La Peña led Cuba with 17 points, including 15 attacks and two blocks, followed by Evilania Martínez and Diaris Pérez with 12 points each.

For Mexico, Grecia Castro led with 16 points, all on attacks, while Sofía Maldonado contributed 13 points, including 12 attacks and one block.

Luizomar De Moura, Cuba’s coach: “Tactically, we played very well. Mexico is a very well-trained team, they have great technique on the court and they are very fast. For me, the key was the strategy we used. I am very proud of my girls.”

Nicola Negro, Mexico’s coach: “My opinion is that Cuba dominated us. They played very well, and we struggled significantly in attack. We came into this match with positive feelings, but today we deserved this lesson from Cuba. I congratulate Luizomar, who in less than a year of work has brought Cuba back to its level of play.”