Cuba secured their ticket to LA28 with victory over Canada

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Cuba are heading back to the Olympic Games!
The Caribbean powerhouse secured their place at LA28 on Saturday evening, defeating hosts Canada 3–1 (25:21, 25:23, 23:25, 25:22) in the decisive Olympic Qualification match at the Avenir Centre in Moncton.
The victory confirms Cuba’s eighth Olympic appearance and marks their return to the sport’s biggest stage for the first time since Rio 2016.

A historic force in international volleyball, Cuba previously claimed Olympic bronze at Montreal 1976.
Their latest achievement represents another significant milestone in the revival of a national programme with a rich tradition.

Cuba controlled much of the match, finishing with a 62–57 advantage in attack points and a clear edge from the service line, where they recorded nine aces to Canada’s three.
The hosts responded with stronger blocking, leading 8–6 in that department, but were unable to prevent Cuba from closing out the match in four sets.
Marlon Yant delivered a decisive performance, scoring 25 points through 21 attacks, three aces and one block, while Miguel Ángel López contributed a further 22 points.
Canada were led by Stephen Maar, who finished with 20 attack points and two blocks.

Cuba’s Olympic qualification journey began with the 2026 NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship.
With the United States already guaranteed a place at LA28 as the host nation, the remaining teams competed for qualification through a dedicated play-off involving the top four teams outside the USA.
Cuba’s bronze-medal finish in the continental tournament secured their place in the decisive qualification phase.
In Friday’s semifinals, Cuba overcame the Dominican Republic 3–0 (32:30, 25:19, 25:15), while Canada defeated Mexico by the same scoreline (25:21, 25:18, 25:13).
The results set up the final showdown in Moncton, where Cuba ultimately completed their return to the Olympic stage.

The qualification also brings another reward: Cuba have secured one of the three NORCECA places available for the 2027 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in Poland.
Canada, who will join Cuba and the United States at the tournament, had already secured their own place through their continental campaign.

In Moncton, Cuba’s renewed investment and sporting ambition came together to deliver a result that ends a decade-long Olympic absence—and opens the door to a new chapter for Cuban volleyball.

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