The Cuban team swept Brazil with set scores of 25-23, 25-19 and 25-20, securing a spot in the round of 16 at the 2025 FIVB Men’s U21 World Championship taking place in Jiangmen, China.

The squad led by Lian Sem Estrada earned its second victory, following a win against Bulgaria, to move into third place in Group C with seven points. Cuba also has two losses, against the Czech Republic and Japan, both undefeated leaders of the pool with 11 points each.

Cuba now has only one match left in the preliminary phase, facing Colombia on Tuesday. Colombia fell to Japan today by scores of 16-25, 11-25 and 14-25, marking its fourth consecutive defeat.

Against Brazil, the Cubans held the advantage in attack (44-33), blocking (11-5) and service (3-2). Although they committed more unforced errors (23-17), they managed to overcome difficult moments and closed out the win in one hour and 15 minutes.

Opposite hitter Daniel Martínez once again delivered a strong performance, scoring 19 points with 15 attacks, three blocks and one ace. Outside hitter Carlos Pereira provided outstanding support with 20 points, including 18 attacks, one block and one ace.

Other contributors included outside hitter Félix Rodríguez with seven points (six attacks and one ace), middle blocker José Ángel Morejón with five (four attacks and one block), setter Ronaldo Flaquet with four blocks, and blocker Nathan Massó with three points (one attack and two blocks). The lineup was completed by libero Jhonan Álvarez.

For Brazil, no player reached double digits. Four players managed only seven points each, including middle blocker Henrique Guedes with four attacks and three blocks.

On Tuesday, in addition to the Cuba-Colombia clash at 5 a.m. Havana time, Bulgaria and Brazil will battle for a place in the round of 16. Only the top four teams from each of the four groups will advance.

Meanwhile in Thailand, after a rest day today, the Cuban women’s national team will face Slovakia tomorrow in search of its first victory at the FIVB Women’s World Championship. The squad has so far suffered straight-set defeats in Pool B against Belgium and Italy.