SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, July 30, 2026. – Cuba claimed the bronze medal in the men’s volleyball tournament of the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 with a straight-set 3-0 (25-22, 26-24, 25-16) victory over Mexico.
The medal marks Cuba’s fifth bronze in the history of the Central American and Caribbean Games. The Cubans also remain the most successful team in the history of the men’s tournament with a total of 19 medals: 11 gold, three silver and five bronze.
Cuba showed greater composure in the decisive moments of the opening two sets. Mexico held a 21-19 lead in the first before Cuba closed on a 6-1 run to take the set. In the second, the Mexicans again moved ahead late at 20-19 and later tied the score at 24-24, but Cuba once more proved more effective in the closing points to build a two-set advantage. With that momentum, the Cubans controlled the third set from start to finish to seal the victory.
The teams finished even with 33 attack points each, but Cuba made the difference with a slight edge in blocks (6-5), stronger pressure from the service line (6-1 in aces) and fewer unforced errors (23-31).
Miguel Ángel López led the Cuban offense with 15 points, while Daniel Martínez added 13, including a match-high five aces.
For Mexico, Josué López was the team’s leading scorer with 12 points.
Cuban outside hitter Marlon Yant acknowledged that the result fell short of the team’s original objective but emphasized the importance of finishing the tournament on the podium.
“This wasn’t the medal we came for, but we earned a bronze medal for Cuba. After winning the first two sets, we entered the third with more confidence. We told ourselves we had to finish it in three sets to avoid difficulties like some of our previous matches, especially the semifinal.”
Mexico’s team captain Said Bravo regretted that his team was unable to hold onto the lead it built late in the opening sets.
“We started with good rhythm, but they put us under pressure with their serving, and we made errors that ended up making the difference. In the end, the team that makes the most mistakes loses. There was a point in the match when we lost our focus, and that cost us.”
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