Following victories in the semifinal round of the NORCECA Men’s World Qualifier, both the United States and Dominican Republic have clinched a spot in the 2018 World Championships. Both will now play in the championship match of the NORCECA Men’s World Qualifier, although the result will have no bearing on each nation’s status in the Worlds.
For Team USA, they clinched their bid by sweeping Canada in the semifinals. Come next year for the tournament, they will look to avenge their 2014 outing when they went 4-3 in the group stage and missed the final six by one match.
The Dominican Republic also earned a sweep in the final four round by ousting Mexico 3-0. Unlike the U.S. though, they will be appearing in the World Championships for the first time since 1979.
Beyond the United States and Dominican Republic, one more team will have an opportunity to play at the Worlds. The two losers of the semifinal round, Canada and Mexico, will meet for a third-place match that has much higher stakes than a bronze medal.
The 2018 FIVB World Championships will be the 19th rendition of the tournament and takes place from September 10th to the 30th of next year. Italy and Bulgaria will host the tournament as 24 teams will duel it out for a title that comes just once every four years.
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