July 18, 2026.- Cuba defeated Canada to secure its place in the 2027 FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL), while the loss condemned Canada to relegation from the competition. Meanwhile, the United States suffered its first defeat of week three, dropping to fourth place in the overall standings.
Cuba Celebrate Victory Over Canada
Cuba earned a decisive 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 29-27) victory over Canada, securing their place in the 2027 Men’s VNL. The defeat, on the other hand, confirmed Canada’s relegation from the VNL for next season.
The match was crucial for both NORCECA teams, as the winner would keep its hopes alive while the loser would face relegation. The Caribbean side proved more efficient in every major statistical category, leading Canada in attacks (42-40), blocks (11-6), and aces (5-2).
Cuba built its offense around the experience of Miguel Ángel López, who scored 16 points, including two blocks, while Marlon Yant added 14 points, highlighted by two blocks and two aces.
Skyler Varga tried to keep Canada’s hopes alive with 15 attack points, while Arthur Szwarc contributed 10 points.
United States Fall to Bulgaria
The United States lost 3-1 (27-25, 22-25, 26-24, 25-18) to Bulgaria, dropping to fourth place in the overall standings, although the Americans had already secured their place in the VNL Finals.
The teams were tied in aces with 10 each, but Bulgaria held the edge in attacks (51-49) and blocks (14-5). The Bulgarians also committed three more unforced errors than the Americans (28-25).
Opposite Jake Hanes led the United States with 19 points, including four aces and one block. Matt Anderson added 17 points, while TJ DeFalco finished with 10.
Match Schedule – Sunday, July 19
In Japan (local time)
Canada vs. Belgium – 10:00 p.m.
Cuba vs. Italy – 3:30 p.m.
In the United States (local time)
United States vs. Poland – 8:00 p.m.
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