Dominican Republic eyes two tournament wins in NORCECA 2026

The Dominican Republic's "Reinas del Caribe" women's volleyball team is setting its sights on winning two crucial tournaments in one as they begin their NORCECA 2026 campaign at home against Costa Rica.

The NORCECA 2026 competition presents a unique dual qualification opportunity. The initial phase will see the top four teams, excluding the already qualified USA and Canada, vie for three available spots in the 2027 World Cup. Following this, a final round will determine the tournament winner, who will secure a direct qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

National coach Marcos Kwiek highlighted the immense significance of the first tournament phase. "The first tournament is extremely important, it's even the tournament that gives the most points for the world ranking," Kwiek told Diario Libre. "In that continental [tournament], we have to accumulate points, be among the top three to qualify for the World Cup and be able to aspire to the Olympic vacancy."

The team's focus is clear: perform exceptionally well in the NORCECA championship to not only secure a World Cup berth but also to position themselves for a direct Olympic qualification, underscoring the high stakes of the upcoming matches.

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The first tournament is extremely important, it's even the tournament that gives the most points for the world ranking. In that continental, we have to accumulate points, be among the top three to qualify for the World Cup and be able to aspire to the Olympic vacancy.