GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, June 23, 2026. – Mexico opened its campaign at the 2026 Men’s U21 Pan American Cup with a straight-set victory over Venezuela, winning 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-19) in the opening match of Pool A at Teodoro Palacios Flores Gymnasium in Guatemala City.
Mexico held a 45-32 advantage in attacks and edged Venezuela 3-2 in service aces. Both teams recorded five blocks, while Mexico committed 20 errors compared to Venezuela’s 22.
Eduardo Garza led all scorers with 19 points on 16 attacks, two blocks, and one ace. Cristian Cadena added 12 points on 10 attacks, one block, and one ace. For Venezuela, middle blocker Angel Matuto was the only player to reach double figures, finishing with 10 points.
The opening set was closely contested, with both teams battling point-for-point and remaining tied through much of the frame. Mexico earned set point at 24-23 after an attack by opposite hitter Eduardo Garza that Venezuela’s Jorge Villegas was unable to control. Middle blocker Cristian Cadena then finished the set with a quick attack through the middle for a 1-0 lead.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with neither side able to establish clear control early on. Mexico pulled ahead at 19-16 behind Daniel Cravioto and an ace by captain Santiago Bernal. Cadena continued to lead the Mexican attack, while Garza sealed the set with a block on Neyver Zabala.
Venezuela, led by Jean Franco Sanabria, fought hard in the early stages of the third set, matching Mexico point for point. However, Mexico built a decisive 19-14 advantage through Cadena’s attacking efficiency, Garza’s serving pressure, and several Venezuelan errors. The match concluded on a Venezuelan attacking error.
Mexico will face the Dominican Republic in its next Pool A match, while Venezuela will take on defending champion United States.
Santiago Bernal, Mexico’s captain: “We are very happy to start the tournament with a victory. We always aim to win wherever we compete, and opening with a win is great for our confidence. Venezuela lost some momentum in the third set after two very competitive sets, and we knew how to take advantage of that and finish strong”.
Rolando Bello, Venezuela’s captain: “We came into the tournament with very good preparation. After two closely contested sets, I think the third set became more of a mental challenge for us. We needed to trust ourselves, trust our coaches, and follow their instructions. I am confident things will be different moving forward and that we can reach the semifinals”.
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