United States Opens Final Six with Four-Set Win Over Mexico

PONCE, Puerto Rico, August 23, 2026.- The United States opened the NORCECA Men’s Final Six with a 3-1 (32-30, 25-19, 22-25, 25-20) victory over Mexico at the Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium in Ponce.

Both teams battled closely from the start. In the first set, Mexico took a 21-19 lead following an attack by Diego González Castañeda from zone two, but the United States tied the score at 23 and forced the set into extra points. The teams remained even until 30-30, when an attack by Sean Kelly followed by an offensive error from Yasutaka Sanay Heredia gave the United States the set 32-30.

The United States found a steadier rhythm in the second set. With Sterling Foley contributing offensively, the Americans built a 19-14 advantage and remained in control. A zone-two attack by Kyler Wade closed the set 25-19 for a 2-0 lead.

Mexico responded in the third set, staying close before pulling ahead 23-20. An attack by González Castañeda brought Mexico to set point, and a block on Foley sealed the 25-22 win to extend the match.

The fourth set remained close before the United States pulled ahead 20-16, with Wade contributing offensively. The Americans maintained the advantage down the stretch and closed the set 25-20 to secure their first victory of the tournament.

The teams posted balanced numbers, with the United States holding slight advantages of 48-43 in attacks and 8-6 in blocks, while also committing fewer errors, 35-38. Both teams scored 10 points from aces.

Diego González led Mexico with a match-high 20 points, while Sean Kelly led the United States with 19.

The United States (1-0) will face Guatemala in its next match, while Mexico will take on the Dominican Republic.

Tread Rosenthal, captain of the United States: “They had a lot of grit on their side and we were kind of up and down on ours. The sets we won convincingly, the second and fourth, we were steady the whole way through. We’ve got to keep that up.”

Hiram Said Bravo Moreno, captain of Mexico: “The United States is a very well-prepared team. They’re young and play at one hundred percent no matter what happens. It took us some time to find our rhythm. It’s a long tournament, so we’ll keep pushing.”