Cuba Defeats Mexico, but Mexico Heads to Semifinals

MORELOS, Mexico, August 13, 2026.- Cuba defeated Mexico 3-1 (25-18, 30-28, 23-25, 25-23), but the host team won the set it needed to finish first in Pool B and advance directly to the semifinals of the 2026 Men’s Pan American Cup, being held at Poliforum 2 of the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (UAEM).

Mexico and Cuba finished pool play with identical 3-1 records, but Mexico took first place with 15 points, one more than Cuba (14).

Mexico needed to win only one set to secure first place and accomplished it in the third after Cuba took the opening two sets. The Cubans controlled the first 25-18 and had to battle into extra points to win the second 30-28. Mexico responded by taking the third 25-23, securing its direct ticket to the semifinals. Cuba answered in a tight fourth set to complete the victory.

Cuba advanced to the quarterfinals, where it will face Puerto Rico. In the other quarterfinal, the United States will take on the Dominican Republic.

Cuba held a 59-44 advantage in attacks, while Mexico had a slight 12-11 edge in blocks and committed fewer errors, 29 to 34. Both teams scored four points from serves.

Cuban opposite Daniel Martínez led all scorers with 19 points, while Yusniel González also reached double figures for Cuba with 12 points.

Franky Hernández led Mexico with 12 points and was the only player on his team to score in double figures.

Daniel Martínez, opposite of Cuba: “It was a good show, and we were able to come away with the win. We played with a lot of unity, and that’s the best thing we can take from this match. In the third set our energy dropped and Mexico took advantage of it. Tomorrow against Puerto Rico, we’re going all out to advance to the semifinals.”

Josué López, captain of Mexico: “We’re happy to advance to the semifinals, and tomorrow we’ll practice making some adjustments. We lacked concentration during the match and didn’t get the result. We played the first two sets tense, but toward the end we were able to enjoy the match a little more, and that helped us play much better.”