MORELOS, Mexico, August 15, 2026.- The United States advanced to the final of the 2026 Men’s Pan American Cup after defeating host Mexico 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-16) in the semifinals on Saturday at Poliforum 2 of the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (UAEM).
The United States will face Puerto Rico for the gold medal, while Mexico will play Canada for the bronze medal.
Team USA, the most successful team in Men’s Pan American Cup history with five titles, will play for the gold medal for the ninth time. In addition to its five championships, the United States has three silver medals and one bronze. Its most recent title came in 2012.
Mexico, meanwhile, will seek its second bronze medal in the history of the tournament. The host team also has one gold medal and two silver medals.
With an organized and effective performance, the United States controlled the match from the start and led Mexico 47-39 in kills and 12-5 in blocks. Both teams scored two service points, while Mexico committed fewer unforced errors, 18 to 22.
Patrick Rogers and Cameron Thorne led the U.S. offense with 11 points each, while Parker Tomkinson added 10. Tomkinson was a strong presence at the net and sealed the U.S. victory with a block on Brandon López for the final point of the third set, 25-16.
Diego González led Mexico with 10 points.
The United States took control of the first set and kept Mexico under pressure to win it 25-16. The U.S. continued to impose its game at the net in the second set, which ended with another block from Tomkinson for the 25-20 score.
In the third, the United States again built a comfortable lead and did not allow the host team to mount a comeback. Mexico saved one match point before Tomkinson stopped López’s attack with the block that ended the match.
United States middle blocker Cameron Thorne: “We did a lot of scouting, and our coaches did an amazing job preparing us. Playing in front of the Mexican crowd was tough, but it was a great environment and we really enjoyed it. Puerto Rico played a great match against Canada, so we’re definitely not going to underestimate them. Beating them earlier this week means nothing. We have to come out with the same intensity, focus on our side and play our game.”
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