MANAGUA, Nicaragua, November 23, 2025.– Puerto Rico captured back-to-back titles at the NORCECA U17 Boys’ Continental Championship and secured a berth to the FIVB 2026 World Championship after defeating Cuba 3-1 (25-23, 25-22, 18-25, 25-22) in the gold medal match.
In a tightly contested final, Puerto Rico managed its resources efficiently and prevailed over a resilient Cuban team that fought hard in every set but fell short of its title aspirations.
This is Puerto Rico’s second consecutive championship; two years ago in Mexico, they claimed the inaugural title after defeating the hosts in four sets. In that edition, Cuba took home the bronze medal.
In the final, Puerto Rico dominated attacking (49-43) and blocking (8-5), while Cuba held a clear advantage from the service line (10-2). Both teams committed the same number of errors: 34.
Elvis González led Puerto Rico’s offense with 20 points, followed by Jayden Figueroa with 8. For Cuba, three players finished in double figures: Víctor Contreras with 19, Reinaldo Márquez with 13 and Dalián La O with 12.
Hernán Torrez, Puerto Rico head coach: “We are more than happy. This result is the product of long-term work, even though this is a new cycle because these young players are just beginning. This victory is dedicated to many committed people such as Dr. Trabanco, Carlos de Sevilla, Noel Barrero and Kike Ruiz. These are individuals deeply involved in supporting this movement in our country. God bless them and thank you for this opportunity for us and for these boys who are champions for the second consecutive year.”
Héctor Lavergne, Puerto Rico captain: “The goal is more than accomplished, beyond one hundred percent. This is the most significant victory of my life. Representing my country is the greatest honor and winning it here on such a big stage feels incredible. The World Championship is another level; we will prepare ourselves with time, with lots of training and conditioning, to go far.”
Liam Sem Estrada, Cuba head coach: “We leave with great satisfaction and pride. The players return to Cuba with valuable lessons; they have already broken the ice, and as I said on the first day, this is a tournament of daily learning. They must understand that it’s not only about what the coaches tell them, they also need to grow as players. Anyone who underestimates Cuba in a tournament is mistaken. Across all categories and generations, Cuba will always show up with its trademark grit, spirit and fighting mentality.”
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