Puerto Rico closes the gap in world rankings

with eyes on the Nations League

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, July 22, 2025. – The Women’s National Team of Puerto Rico continues its strong rise after being crowned champions at the NORCECA Final Four held this past weekend in Manatí, earning a thrilling five-set victory over Mexico.

This marks Puerto Rico’s third consecutive gold medal in the event and fifth overall, following a silver in 2019 and bronze in 2022.

The victory propelled Puerto Rico to 16th in the FIVB World Ranking — a key step in their journey toward qualifying for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League. The qualification window remains open until December.

While the 16th spot does not yet guarantee direct qualification, Puerto Rico significantly narrowed the gap, now just 2.01 points behind Ukraine, currently in 15th place and occupying the last qualifying spot. National team head coach Juan C. Núñez emphasized the importance of every achievement and reaffirmed the team’s focus:

“I’m not going to stress the girls. We’ll take it as the game dictates. I’m very pleased with the team’s performance — this is just the beginning, and we still have work to do,” Núñez said optimistically.

This ranking also places Puerto Rico in close competition with Argentina, who sit in 17th, trailing by 1.04 points.

With three major tournaments ahead — the XII Pan American Cup, the World Championship in Thailand, and the NORCECA Final Six — the team has concrete opportunities to earn the points needed to secure qualification.

Puerto Rico’s recent performance is not only a sporting achievement but also a statement of unity, focus, and continued progress.