SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, July 18, 2026. – The nine national teams competing in the 2026 NORCECA Girls’ U19 Continental Championship will battle for one of four available berths to the 2027 FIVB Girls’ U19 World Championship.
Pool A features defending champions the United States, along with the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Pool B includes Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, while host Costa Rica will compete in Pool C alongside Canada and Jamaica.
The tournament will award four places to the 2027 FIVB Girls’ U19 World Championship, with the four semifinalists earning automatic qualification.
Competition begins on July 19 and runs through July 24, with three daily matches. The tournament will conclude with the medal matches and the final classification contests.
United States head coach Alexandra Dunphy said: “This competition is very important for us because it gives us the opportunity to introduce our new players at an international event. They are all excited to represent the United States. We want to compete at our highest level and earn one of the World Championship berths.”
Mexico head coach Ignacio Ramírez said: “We have brought a team that has prepared thoroughly. Our first goal is to reach the semifinals and then compete for a place on the podium. Mexico has qualified for the last two World Championships in this age group, and we want to be there again.”
Cuba head coach Enrique Larrazaleta said: “The Cuban team has had solid preparation. We come here determined to uphold the tradition of Cuban volleyball. The players are highly motivated to achieve our main objective, which is qualifying for the World Championship.”
Dominican Republic head coach Marcelo Cezarano said: “Seventy-five percent of this team is made up of U17 players, but it is a group that already competed at the NORCECA Girls’ U17 Championship and they have developed good chemistry. They are focused on qualifying for the World Championship, and they have the potential to achieve it.”
Puerto Rico head coach Leira Ortiz said: “We have come to this tournament with our U17 team. Our main focus is to use this event as preparation for the U17 World Championship. We understand the importance of this competition, and we will aim for the best possible finish to keep our chances of qualifying for the U19 World Championship alive.”
Costa Rica head coach Yuliana González said: “We want to win our opening match and then approach every game with the mindset of achieving the goals we have set throughout our preparation. This team is well prepared and focused on earning a World Championship berth. We believe we have what it takes to do it.”
Canada head coach Natasha Spaling said: “We know this is a very important competition. We want to be aggressive from the service line, have strong defense and blocking, work hard together as a team, and stay committed to our system throughout the tournament. Our goal is to qualify for the next World Championship.”
U.S. Virgin Islands head coach Isaac Raphael said: “The team is very excited to compete in this event. Last week we were in Ohio, United States, with virtually the same roster, and it was a great experience before coming here. We have to face Mexico and Puerto Rico in our pool, but I have complete confidence in my players.”
Jamaica assistant coach Nicholas Wilson said: “This is the first time Jamaica has participated in a Girls’ U19 competition. We want to compete, and we know our players are ready and will give their very best throughout the tournament.”
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