Cuba Falls to Romania, Set to Close

Pool B Against Italy at U17 World Championship

DOHA, Qatar, August 22, 2026.- Cuba fell to Romania 3-0 (25-14, 26-24, 25-15) on Saturday in Pool B of the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship at Al Arabi Sports Hall.

Cuba remains winless with a 0-2 record in Pool B and will close the preliminary round on Sunday, August 23, against defending champions Italy at 2:00 p.m. local time in Qatar. Italy leads the pool with a 2-0 record.

Romania controlled the match with an efficient offensive performance and strong pressure at the net and from the service line. The Europeans converted 34 of 48 attacks and held a 9-1 advantage in blocks, while also scoring six aces. Cuba finished with 30 points in attack.

Cuban captain Reinaldo Márquez led his team with 14 points, including 13 attacks, while Victor Erasmo Contreras contributed nine points, all from attack.

Romania was led by Tudor Mihail Calciu and captain Alexandru-Gabriel Apostu with 14 points apiece. Calciu scored 10 points in attack and added four blocks, while Apostu registered nine attacks and a match-high four aces. Matei Constantin Mihaila also reached double figures with 11 points.

Cuba will now turn its attention to its final Pool B match against Italy. The defending champions enter Sunday’s contest undefeated after victories over Romania in straight sets and India in four sets.