MORELOS, Mexico, August 12, 2026.- Cuba survived three match points by Guatemala in a dramatic tie-break to prevail 3-2 (25-23, 20-25, 28-30, 25-15, 19-17) on Wednesday at the 2026 Men’s Pan American Cup, being held at Poliforum 2 of the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (UAEM).
Cuba improved its record to 2-1 in Pool B, while Guatemala dropped to 1-2. The 30-28 third set and the 19-17 fifth set were the longest sets played so far in the tournament.
To close out pool play, Cuba (2-1) will face undefeated Mexico (3-0), while Guatemala (1-2) will play a decisive match against the Dominican Republic (2-1), with the final Pool B standings still to be determined.
Guatemala came very close to taking the victory in an exciting fifth set. An ace by Andy Blanco gave Guatemala its first match point at 15-14, but Cuba responded to extend the match.
José Pablo Pérez again put Guatemala one point away from victory at 16-15, and after another Cuban response, captain Carlos López gave Guatemala a third opportunity to close out the match at 17-16. Cuba tied it again, and Bryan Camino put the Cubans at their first match point, 18-17. Cuba sealed the 19-17 victory on the next play after an attack by Daniel Martínez ended in a Guatemalan error.
Cuba held a 69-58 advantage in attacks, while its blocking made an important difference with a 15-6 margin. Guatemala was better from the service line, 10-6, and committed fewer unforced errors, 27 to Cuba’s 36.
Daniel Martínez led Cuba with 26 points, followed by Yusniel González with 15, Jakdiel Contreras with 13 and Endriel Pedroso with 11.
For Guatemala, José Pablo Pérez was the top scorer with 22 points, Carlos López added 20 and Andy Blanco finished with 17.
Bryan Camino, captain of Cuba: “At the beginning, I think our confidence hurt us because we thought we were better than Guatemala and we didn’t come out playing our volleyball. As the sets went on, we started finding our level and were able to come back and win the match. Tomorrow we’ll go out looking for the win against Mexico and see if it’s enough to win the group, which is very tough, and earn the direct berth to the semifinals.”
Reider Lucas, coach of Guatemala: “I’m hurting. It was a tough match, but at the same time I’m happy because we played well, at a good level. The guys did everything within their possibilities, and the match slipped away from us. There’s nothing to reproach or criticize. I’ll keep motivating the team and we’ll keep working.”
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