There was a short delay waiting for the wind to settle, but the SSL Gold Cup 2026 Pan-American Qualifiers got underway Thursday in Rio.
Guanabara Bay has the iconic backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain, the city of Rio de Janeiro, and of course the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Mount Corcovado.
Taking place from 12–15 November 2026, the Pan-American Qualifiers brings together eight teams ready to fight for the final places in the SSL Gold Cup Final Series.
The competition features two groups of four nations. Group H is Uruguay, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Antigua and Barbuda go head-to-head, while Group I is Bermuda, Mexico, Cuba and El Salvador.
After the first day of competition . . .
Group H is finely balanced after day 1, with Uruguay and Puerto Rico tied on 6 points, Antigua & Barbuda a point behind, and Venezuela on 3 points.
Group I is led by Mexico after Day 1 on 7 points with Cuba a point behind, Bermuda on 4 points and El Salvador on 3 points.
