The United States punched their ticket to the 2026 VNL Finals with a dominant 3-0 sweep of Brazil (25-23, 25-19, 25-19) in front of their home crowd in Chicago. Outside hitter TJ DeFalco delivered a historic performance, firing seven aces — a VNL record for a three-set match — along with seven kills and four blocks for a match-high 18 points and MVP honors.
"We came in with the idea that we needed to stop them as much as we could, and we did an incredible job," DeFalco said. "It was one of the better serving nights in my career, and hopefully we can take that momentum forward." Fellow outside hitter Matt Anderson and opposite Jake Hanes added 13 points each.
With their eighth win in ten Preliminary Phase matches, the Americans reached 25 points and sit second in the standings, mathematically assured of a spot in the Ningbo Finals. Brazil, who had entered the qualification zone after sweeping France on Wednesday, dropped to eighth with six wins and 16 points, now outside the cut.
