The NORCECA Women's Continental Championship began in Santo Domingo with victories for the USA, Canada, Cuba, and the host Dominican Republic. The tournament is also of key importance for Olympic qualification for Los Angeles 2028 – the top four teams in the final standings, excluding the USA, who already have a quota as the host of the Olympics, will proceed to a separate continental qualification tournament on August 28 and 29. The winner of that tournament will receive NORCECA's Olympic quota. This championship also allocates three spots for the 2027 World Championship. NORCECA will also be the first confederation to send a participant to the Olympic tournament in Los Angeles 2028.
USA – Trinidad and Tobago 3:0(25:6,25:11,25:4)
The USA started their participation with a convincing victory, allowing their opponent to score only 21 points in the three sets. The Americans had a huge advantage in attack – 41:7 points, and especially from serve – 19:2 aces, while the only block in the match was for Trinidad and Tobago. Asjia O'Neal finished as the top scorer with 18 points, Stephanie Samedy added 14, and Dana Rettke – 9. USA coach Eric Sullivan was pleased with how his team executed the tactical tasks. In the second round, the Americans face Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago plays Canada.
Canada – Mexico 3:0(25:21,25:23,25:22)
The other match in Group A was much more contested, with Canada prevailing over Mexico in three sets. The Mexicans actually scored more points from attack – 43:35, and had an advantage in aces – 4:3, but Canada compensated with a much stronger blocking game – 9:4. Kiera Van Ryk was the top scorer for the winners with 18 points, while Mexico's Grecia Castro became the match's top scorer with 23 points, 22 of which were from attack. Nyadhol Thokbuom added 9 points for Canada, and Uxue Guereca finished with 12 for Mexico. Canadian coach Giovanni Guidetti admitted that his team had difficulties but managed to close out each of the three contested sets.
Cuba – Puerto Rico 3:2(25:11,24:26,25:15,25:27,15:9)
The most dramatic match of the first day was offered by Cuba and Puerto Rico, with the Cubans achieving success after five sets. Their decisive advantage was in blocking – 18:4, and Cuba also had a lead in attack – 62:58, as well as in aces – 3:1. Diaris Perez led the winners with 22 points, Evilania Martinez added 19, and Yalain Regla de la Peña – 17. For Puerto Rico, Decelis Champion also scored 22 points, and Paola Santiago finished with 16. Puerto Rico's coach Juan Carlos Núñez pointed to the strong Cuban block as one of the main factors that prevented his team from imposing their attacking game.
Dominican Republic – Costa Rica 3:0(25:11,25:11,25:10)
The host and reigning NORCECA champion, the Dominican Republic, also started convincingly, giving no chances to Costa Rica. The "Queens of the Caribbean" had a huge advantage in attack – 44:12, won the block with 6:2, and recorded 14 aces against none for their opponent. Flor Marie Heredia was the top scorer with 18 points, all from attack, Alondra Tapia added 17, and Massiel Matos – 14. Coach Marcos Kwiek used the match to give playing time to all his players and get them into the rhythm of the tournament. In the second round, the Dominican Republic faces Cuba in a direct clash between the two winners from the first day in Group B.