Mexico Controls Venezuela to Advance to

Santo Domingo 2026 Semifinals

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, July 28, 2026. – Mexico regained control after dropping the third set to secure a place in the semifinals of the men's volleyball tournament at the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 with a 3-1 (25-18, 25-19, 23-25, 25-21) quarterfinal victory over Venezuela.

Mexico controlled most of the match behind an efficient offense and a solid blocking performance. After comfortably taking the opening two sets, the Mexicans allowed Venezuela back into the contest by dropping the third, but responded in the fourth set, holding off their opponent in a hard-fought finish to book their place in the medal round.

Mexico held a commanding advantage in attacks (58-33) and also led in blocks (9-8) and service points (9-5), despite committing 37 unforced errors to Venezuela's 22.

Josué López led Mexico with 20 points, followed by Oziel Aguirre with 19. Diego González, Axel Téllez, and Juan García each contributed 10 points, with Téllez recording a match-high six stuff blocks. Emerson Rodríguez finished with 20 points for Venezuela, followed by Jesús Gómez with 10.

Mexico's Brazilian head coach Carlos Eduardo Schwanke admitted his team lost focus after taking a two-set lead.

“We're at the championship party. I always tell my players that the party really starts in the semifinals. We gave away a set because we thought Venezuela would hand us the match. In the fourth set we had to fight for every point and put more pressure on our serve to earn the victory.”

Venezuela’s captain Héctor Mata praised the contest despite the loss.

“It was a good, hard-fought match. Mexico executed better, we made a few mistakes, and we have to improve. We'll turn the page and keep growing.”