Canadian men beat Mexico to advance to continental volleyball championship semifinals

MONCTON — Canada stretched its winning streak to three straight matches on Sunday, and punched its ticket to Tuesday’s NORCECA men’s continental volleyball championship semifinals in the process.

Canada beat Mexico 25-15, 25-18, 25-20 on Sunday at the Avenir Centre to win Group A with a perfect 3-0 record.

“I think we’re moving in the right direction,” said Team Canada’s captain Eric Loeppky. “Obviously we’re super happy with the win. I know we still have to bring more to beat Cuba and the U.S. and just kind of up our game that last 10 per cent.

“I’m happy with the result, obviously we earned that rest day and I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Canada was dominant in blocks (13-2) and aces (9-2) and held a 35-32 edge in attacks against Mexico. Sharone Vernon-Evans was the top scorer for the hosts with 15 points, including a match-high four aces. Loeppky (12 points, eight kills, one block and three aces) and Fynn McCarthy (11 points, including a match-high six blocks) were also scoring standouts for Canada.

Diego González Castañeda (13 points) was the top scorer for Mexico, which finishes Group A play 2-1 and will play in Monday’s quarter-finals.

Canada’s head coach Dan Lewis said Mexico applied a lot of pressure but his squad was able to handle it.

“They (Mexico) missed more than usual tonight, but that’s where they can put stress on you. Our guys did a really good job to manage that, especially Landon (Currie) did a really good job. . . . I’m happy for the team that we got the first goal to win the pool to earn the day off. That will set us up physically for what we need to do.”

The United States won the other pool and also advances to the semifinals.

Eight teams are competing for three berths to the 2027 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup in Poland, which will be decided Wednesday. The tournament will also determine the teams that advance to next weekend’s final NORCECA qualification stage for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2026.

The Canadian Press