Recently, Europe's Final Four was played in Ängelholm, where Sweden finished fourth.
In the South American edition in Puerto Rico, which will be decided in mid-July, Cuba would have participated, but players, leaders and a referee are denied a visa to the American territory.
In early June, US President Donald Trump introduced an entry ban for twelve countries, and restrictions on entry from an additional seven countries, and Cuba is one of them.
It's really disappointing not to be able to participate in the competition, which is what I've been preparing for, says player Laura Sanchez.
The tournament is partly a title. But it's also matches that give points on the world ranking – points that could take Cuba closer to playing the Nations League, the highest level of national team play in volleyball.
We were focused on the competition. Coming to the embassy and being denied a visa affects us a lot because the tournament gives us points to improve our ranking, says Cuba player Dayana Martínez.
National team captain Wilfredo Robinson now believes the team will fail to qualify for the Nations League.
In September, we have a new tournament and if we get there and need 80 or 100 points, we will not succeed with that, says Robinson.
Cuba's women's volleyball team was a powerhouse in the sport in the 90s. The team won the World Championship 1994 and 1998, and took three Olympic Games gold in a row (Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000).
