GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, August 8, 2026.- In an incredible five-set battle, Canada defeated Mexico 3-2 (25-23, 25-23, 18-25, 19-25, 15-10) to advance to the final of the Boys’ U17 Pan American Cup at the Multi-Sports Dome in Guatemala City.
On Sunday, Canada will play in the final at 4:00 p.m. against the winner of the other semifinal between Venezuela and the United States, while Mexico will play for the bronze medal at 2:00 p.m.
Both teams displayed an excellent level of play. The first set could have gone either way. Mexico was more effective in attack but committed 10 unforced errors that ultimately cost them the set.
In the second set, Canada rallied from a four-point deficit (16-20) and came back to win 25-23, extending its lead in the match.
Mexico responded strongly in the third set. The Mexicans were effective in attack from the start and built a lead of as many as eight points. Although Canada managed to close the gap late in the set, it was not enough, and Mexico took the set to pull within 2-1.
Mexico kept its momentum in the fourth set and, behind strong defense and effective attacking, tied the match and forced a deciding fifth set.
Canada regained control in the fifth. With a strong start, the Canadians dictated the pace of the tiebreaker and sealed the victory that sent them into the final.
In the team statistics, Mexico led in attacks 60-45 and serves 6-2, while Canada held a commanding 18-8 advantage in blocks.
Canada’s Julián Josephs had another spectacular night, finishing with 29 points, including three blocks and two aces. Liam Bendavid set a new tournament record for blocks in a single match with nine, finishing with 15 points overall.
For Mexico, Sebastián Merino was impressive with 25 points, Diego Aguilar contributed 15, and Diego Ibarra finished with 12 points, including five blocks.
Canada head coach Jordan Taylor said: “That game had everything. We obviously had a tough start in the first set, and we had to battle back and steal one in the second. Hats off to Mexico; they made some really good adjustments as the match went on and earned those third and fourth sets. But in the fifth set, we found another gear, dug deep, and I’m proud of the guys.”
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