MONCTON, NB: Moncton is set to step onto the international volleyball stage as Volleyball Canada hosts the 2026 NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship at the Avenir Centre from Sept. 11 to 19.

The prestigious tournament will bring elite national teams to Moncton for a high-stakes competition, with one men’s berth to the LA 2028 Olympic Games and three spots at the 2027 Men’s Volleyball World Championship on the line.

"Sport is part of the fabric of our city, and welcoming an event of this calibre is an exciting moment for Moncton to shine," says Deputy Mayor Paulette Thériault. "We look forward to welcoming visitors to our city and sharing the energy, hospitality, and passion that shape who we are as a community."

The tournament is being supported by both the federal and provincial governments, highlighting the significance of the event for the region.

"Hosting this prestigious international volleyball championship will be a major boost to our local economy and tourism sector," says the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Rob McKee, on behalf of Gilles LePage, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. "Moncton has a proud history of supporting major sporting events, and you can already sense the enthusiasm growing throughout the community and the province. When September arrives, we’ll be proud and ready to host athletes and supporters from across the Americas and showcase New Brunswick on the international stage."

The province is contributing $499,000 through the Regional Development Corporation, while the federal government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is contributing $493,078 to support the tournament.

"It’s an honour for Moncton to host the 2026 NORCECA Men’s Senior Continental Championship," says the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Member of Parliament for Moncton—Dieppe, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "This championship will elevate our city’s global profile, boost shoulder-season tourism, and attract international visitors as teams compete for Olympic qualification."

Expected participating nations include Canada, the USA, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Suriname. While Paris 2024 bronze medallists the USA are already guaranteed an Olympic berth as hosts of the LA 2028 Games, the remaining teams will compete for qualification during the final rounds of the tournament.

Canada’s men’s national team, which has competed at the last three Olympic Games, will have a rare chance to qualify for LA 2028 on home soil, backed by Canadian fans at the Avenir Centre.

"Moncton is a place that knows and enjoys volleyball, and there’s big support there,” says Dan Lewis, head coach of Canada’s men’s national team. "Having that home-court advantage, with fans, family, and friends in the stands, can really influence the outcome of a tournament."

Local organizers say preparations are already underway to ensure Moncton delivers a world-class experience on and off the court.

"This championship is an incredible opportunity for young volleyball players in our region to witness top-level international competition up close and be inspired," says Tracy Clinch, President of Volleyball New Brunswick and Co-chair of the Local Organizing Committee.

"This event is a chance to showcase Moncton’s strength as a host city, welcome the international volleyball community, and offer fans a world-class experience, right here at home," adds Norval McConnell, Co-chair of the Local Organizing Committee.

Tickets go on sale March 10 at the Avenir Centre box office and online. Fans can join the venue’s mailing list for early access to full event packages at engage.ticketmaster.net/AvenirCentre.

Additional details, including event programming and schedules, will be announced closer to the tournament.

NORCECA site: www.norceca.net

Volleyball Canada Media Contact:
Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca
Mobile: 613-794-7676

Photo: Paris 2024 (Volleyball World)

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