Netball Bermuda has officially confirmed its participation in the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, marking a historic return to major multi-sport competition for the national program. The Games are scheduled to take place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from July 24th to August 8th, 2026, with the netball competition tentatively slated for the final week of action between August 3rd and 7th.
Bermuda's inclusion in the regional showpiece follows a dramatic shift in the qualification standings. While participation is typically reserved for the host nation and the top five ranked countries in the Americas region, a vacancy opened after St. Vincent and the Grenadines withdrew their participation. This withdrawal allowed Bermuda, as the next eligible nation, to secure a coveted spot in the six-team tournament.
The qualification is a direct result of Bermuda’s rapid ascent in the World Netball rankings over the past year. After a multi-year absence from international competition, the "Longtails" made a sensational return during the Battle of the Isles tournament held in St. Maarten and St. Eustatius last October.
The national squad secured a silver medal at the event, recording dominant wins over Guadeloupe (83-6), the British Virgin Islands (47-17), and the host nation, with their only defeats coming against regional powerhouse Canada. This stellar run propelled Bermuda into the updated World Netball rankings in 20th position overall.
Crucially, the new global standing has placed Bermuda among the elite in the Americas. The island now sits as the fifth-ranked nation in the region, trailing only traditional heavyweights Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and the recently withdrawn St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
For Netball Bermuda President Kimale Evans and captain Debré Evans, the achievement represents a strategic milestone that validates years of "intentional" development behind the scenes. The upcoming trip to Santo Domingo will serve as a vital high-performance platform as the team builds toward the 2026 Americas Netball World Cup Qualifiers later that year.
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