Dominican Republic celebrates first win at NORCECA Championship

MONCTON, Canada, September 13, 2026: Dominican Republic earned its first win today at the NORCECA Men’s Championship today at the Avenir Centre in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.

The Caribbean nation’s team beat Guatemala 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-15) in both teams’ final Group B match. Guatemala is 0-3 in the tournament and will not be in contention for a World Cup berth, which is reserved for the top 3 overall in the Championship.

Opposite Adrián Figueroa Lantigua was match top scorer today with 19 points (17 kills, 1 block and 1 ace).

Guatemala’s Carlos López Santiago was the losing sides top scorer with 12 points (11 attacks and a block).

Overall, Dominican Republic led in attack points (48-39) and aces 5-1. Guatemala earned more blocking points 7-5 despite the loss but gave up more points to errors 17-7.

Dominican head coach José Manon said: “We are happy with the win. Guatemala is always our direct opponent rival in our region, in addition to Puerto Rico and Mexico. We are satisfied with the victory, and we must continue to battle in the next phase of the tournament, hopefully we can qualify.”

Eight teams are in Moncton, Canada, for the 2026 NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship, where three berths to the 2027 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup in Poland will be at stake. The tournament will also determine the teams that advance to NORCECA’s final qualification stage (Sept. 18 and 19) for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.