LEÓN, Guanajuato, Mexico, June 14, 2026. – Defending champion Puerto Rico captured its third consecutive NORCECA Men’s Final Four title by defeating host Mexico in straight sets, 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-23), in the tournament’s closing day at the Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato.
The Puerto Rican squad completed a perfect campaign to earn its third consecutive gold medal, following the titles won in 2024 and 2025, reaffirming its dominance in the competition. With the championship, Puerto Rico finished the tournament undefeated.
Mexico, meanwhile, claimed the silver medal for the second consecutive edition, once again reaching the final against Puerto Rico and falling just short of the title.
Puerto Rico opened the first set by building a comfortable 12-8 lead behind the effective offense of Eliel David Salva and Antonio Feliciano. Mexico responded with a block by Juan García on Jair Santiago and another against Klistan Lawrence to cut the deficit to 11-13. However, the Puerto Ricans remained in control and extended their advantage to 20-13 with attacks from Santiago and Lawrence, along with a solid blocking effort by Danieal Henwood and Ismael Alomar that the hosts could not overcome.
The second set was more balanced, although Puerto Rico never surrendered the lead. Axel Téllez played a key role in keeping Mexico within striking distance and, with a powerful serve, reduced the margin to one point at 20-21. An attack by Lawrence that Miguel García could not handle gave Puerto Rico set point at 24-22, but Mauro Fuentes answered with a spike to keep Mexico alive. Ultimately, an attack by Jair Santiago sealed the 25-23 victory and gave Puerto Rico a two-set advantage.
Mexico moved ahead 10-8 in the third set with consecutive attacks from Mauro Fuentes and Franky Hernández. Puerto Rico quickly responded and tied the score at 12-all through Feliciano’s offense and a Mexican error. The set remained close, with both teams exchanging the lead, until the Puerto Ricans opened a two-point gap at 19-17 after a Mexican service error and a powerful serve by Santiago. The opposite hitter then added two consecutive attacks to increase the lead to 21-17.
Mexico answered with a four-point run, sparked by a Puerto Rican service error, a successful attack by Juan García through the block, and two points from Mauro Fuentes, first on an ace and then with a spike, to level the score at 21-all. After another tie at 22, Puerto Rico regained control with back-to-back blocks by Alomar and Salva, both against Josué López, to reach championship point at 24-22. Téllez kept Mexico alive with a powerful attack, but another block by Salva on Yasutaka Sanay sealed the Puerto Rican victory.
Puerto Rico held advantages of 39-35 in attacks and 10-7 in blocks, while Mexico led 4-2 in aces. The Puerto Ricans also capitalized on 24 Mexican errors while committing 18 of their own.
Opposite hitter Jair Santiago led all scorers with 18 points for the champions. Eliel David Salva added 9 points, while Klistan Lawrence and Ismael Alomar contributed 8 points each.
For Mexico, Juan García and Franky Hernández paced the offense with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Puerto Rico captain Arnel Cabrera said with emotion: “We came into the match with the mindset of executing a solid game plan and turning our goal of victory into reality. We expected this atmosphere and a very passionate crowd; we recognize the support of the Mexican fans, and we were prepared for it. It feels incredible to win a third consecutive gold medal. We came with the responsibility of defending our title, and we were able to accomplish that goal. I’m very proud of this renewed team, made up of very young players, and I’m also very proud of our program.”
Puerto Rico head coach Jamille Torres expressed his pride in the team: “We knew the match would be difficult, and we came prepared for it. Honestly, I’m very proud of these young players; they have a lot to prove and demonstrate, both for the program and in carrying on the legacy of a team that has won consecutive titles.”
Mexico head coach Carlos Schwanke said: “We were not able to put Puerto Rico under pressure with our serve, and we allowed them to play too comfortably. This is only the beginning of the season; we have been working together for just two weeks, and we will continue working hard to improve for the next tournament.”
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