Brazil Qualify for LA 2028 Olympics After Winning South American Championship

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

Brazil’s men’s volleyball team has secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games after winning the South American Championship on home soil.

The three-time Olympic champions won all five of their matches at the Maracanãzinho stadium in Rio de Janeiro without losing a single set. The result gave Brazil its 34th South American Championship title and a place at the 2028 Olympics.

Brazil has competed at every Olympic Games since men’s volleyball was introduced to the program at Tokyo 1964, with the exception of the 1964 edition, when the team did not participate.

In the decisive match on Sunday, Brazil defeated Argentina 3-0, with set scores of 25-20, 25-23 and 25-20. The victory allowed Brazil to return to the top of the South American championship after Argentina won the 2023 edition.

Opposite hitter Darlan de Souza was Brazil’s leading scorer in the final, finishing with 23 points from attacks. Captain Ricardo Lucarelli and middle blocker Flávio Gualberto added eight points each.

Argentina’s Luciano Vicentín led his team’s scoring with 11 points.

Speaking after the match, Darlan said the team was pleased to win both the continental title and Olympic qualification. He credited the squad’s determination and teamwork for the result.

Argentina and Chile also secured places at the 2027 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup. Chile finished third in the South American Championship after beating Bolivia 3-0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-17).

The tournament’s Dream Team included players from Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Brazil captain Lucarelli was named Most Valuable Player, while Brazilian players Fernando Kreling, Darlan, Adriano Xavier and Flávio were also selected.

Argentina’s Agustín Loser and Franco Massimino, along with Chile’s Noé Aravena, completed the tournament’s ideal lineup.