Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson lead Canada to victory in Puerto Rico.
Canada and the USA secured crucial quota places for the LA28 Olympic Games in beach volleyball after winning their respective finals on Sunday at the NORCECA Continental Beach Volleyball Olympic Qualifier, held at the Areia Sports Complex in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico.
In the women's final, Paris 2024 silver medallists Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson defeated the USA pairing of Megan Kraft and Kelly Cheng 2-0, securing the continental title after a hard-fought second set in extra points.
Meanwhile, Trevor Crabb and Chase Budinger earned the men's quota place for the USA by overcoming a set deficit to defeat Mexico in the final, according to information published by fivb.
Canada and USA women's final showdown
The women's gold medal match provided a thrilling rematch of pool play, where Megan Kraft and Kelly Cheng had previously defeated Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson with a score of 2-1.
However, the Canadian duo reversed that result during the final on Sunday. They captured the opening set 21-16 before edging out a dramatic second set 27-25 to secure the coveted LA28 Olympic Games quota spot.
Men's tournament and podium finishes
In the men's division, Trevor Crabb and Chase Budinger triumphed against Mexico's Carlos Andrés Ayala Herrera and Inés Antonio Vargas Lares with a 2-1 victory, dropping the first set 17-21 before bouncing back 21-16 and 19-17.
Additionally, Samuel Schachter and Jonathan Pickett secured a men's bronze medal for Canada by defeating Puerto Rico's Diego Andrés Rosich Oliver and William Rivera Figueroa in straight sets.
FIVB Volleyball Empowerment support
Four podium pairs represented national programmes receiving FIVB Volleyball Empowerment coaching support, highlighting the impact of targeted investments on international success in beach volleyball.
Canada's women's programme receives USD 84,000 for 2026-2027 under coach Srdjan Veckov, while their men's programme receives USD 252,000 under Josh Nicol, alongside additional funding through the Knowledge Transfer Programme.
Host nation and regional success
The USA added a second men's spot to its host nation berth following the victory by Trevor Crabb and Chase Budinger at the regional qualification tournament in Puerto Rico.
In the women's third-place playoff, local favorites Allanis Navas Sánchez and Keishlyann Sánchez claimed bronze for Puerto Rico on home sand by defeating Mexico in two sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the women's NORCECA beach volleyball final in Puerto Rico?
Canada's Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson won the women's final by defeating the USA pair Megan Kraft and Kelly Cheng 2-0.
Which teams qualified for the LA28 Olympic Games at the tournament?
Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson secured the women's quota place for Canada, while Trevor Crabb and Chase Budinger earned the men's quota place for the USA.
Where did the NORCECA Continental Beach Volleyball Olympic Qualifier take place?
The qualification tournament was held at the Areia Sports Complex in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, featuring top pairs from North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Who won the bronze medals in Puerto Rico?
Canada's Samuel Schachter and Jonathan Pickett won men's bronze, while Puerto Rico's Allanis Navas Sánchez and Keishlyann Sánchez claimed women's bronze.
