The Cuban Volleyball Federation has released a preliminary roster of 30 players for the 2026 Nations League, with seasoned middle blocker Roberlandy Simón being the standout name on the list.
This announcement, made public on Thursday via the JIT website, signifies the return of the 38-year-old central player to the national team following his farewell in June 2024. Simón bid adieu with a social media message—"I love you and keep fighting"—after the team failed to qualify for the Olympics.
Born in Guantánamo on June 11, 1987, Simón boasts over two decades of international experience. He rejoined the Cuban squad in 2019 after years of playing in professional leagues across Europe, South Korea, and Brazil.
Key Players and New Additions
In addition to Simón, the middle blocker position includes talents like Alexis Wilson, Javier Concepción, and David Fiel from Havana, as well as Thiago Suárez, Endriel Pedroso from Pinar del Río, and Jakdiel Contreras from Artemisa.
Another notable figure is outside hitter Marlon Yant from Villa Clara, who led the 2025 VNL in scoring with 237 points, averaging 19.75 points per game.
The full roster of outside hitters also features Julio César Cárdenas and Luis Enrique Reyes from Matanzas, Nivaldo Díaz from Havana, Miguel Ángel López and Félix Rodríguez from Cienfuegos, Víctor Andreu from Camagüey, Bryan Camino from Mayabeque, Carlos Pereira from Santiago de Cuba, and Yusniel González from Pinar del Río.
Coaching and Support Staff
The team's opposites include José Israel Massó from Guantánamo, Alejandro Miguel González, Daniel Martínez, and Ronaldo Glaquet from Matanzas, Alejandro Rodríguez from Mayabeque, and José Carlos Romero from Cienfuegos.
Setters on the roster are Christian Thondike, Julio Alberto Gómez, and Lybán Taboada from Havana, Adrián Chirino from Camagüey, and Ronaldo Glaquet from Matanzas. The selected liberos are Yonder García and Dairon Gallego from Havana, and Yudiel Arrechea from Cienfuegos.
The coaching staff is headed by chief coach Jesús Cruz, with Mario Izquierdo and Manuel Espinosa serving as assistants. The medical team includes Dr. Lenin Hernández and physiotherapist Eladio Vives.
Upcoming Challenges and Historical Context
This announcement comes amid a resurgence for Cuban men's volleyball, which made history by reaching the final phase of the 2025 VNL for the first time. They finished seventh overall with six wins and six losses, elevating them to eighth in the International Federation's (FIVB) world rankings.
The preliminary phase schedule promises intense competition: Cuba will open on June 10 in Linyi, China, against Poland, the reigning champion and world number one. They will also face Ukraine, Slovenia, and host China in the first week.
In the second phase from June 24-28 in Orléans, France, the team will compete against the United States—2024 Olympic bronze medalists—France, the Olympic champions, Serbia, and Iran.
During the final preliminary week from July 15-19 in Kansai, Japan, Cuba will confront Belgium, Argentina, Canada, and Italy, the current world champion.
Simón's return is particularly significant, given his crucial role in the 2024 VNL where he led the team with 92 points before his departure. His rejoining in 2019 was possible due to the Cuban Volleyball Federation's policy allowing players abroad to return to national duties.
The Nations League men's final is scheduled from July 29 to August 2 in Ningbo, China.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Volleyball Team and the 2026 Nations League
Who is leading the Cuban volleyball team in the 2026 Nations League?
Veteran middle blocker Roberlandy Simón is the standout leader of the Cuban team for the 2026 Nations League.
What is the significance of Simón's return to the Cuban team?
Simón's return is significant because he was a key player in the 2024 VNL and his experience is expected to greatly benefit the team.
How did Cuba perform in the 2025 Nations League?
Cuba reached the final phase for the first time with six wins and six losses, finishing seventh overall and moving up to eighth in the FIVB rankings.