Budapest to host 2026 #BeachNationsCup Final

The CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup Final 2026 will be breaking new ground for European Beach Volleyball as the very first international event of this calibre and magnitude to take place in Hungary. The fourth edition of the Nations Cup will be held in Városliget near Heroes’ Square in downtown Budapest – thereby not only attracting thousands of international tourists and local residents, but also providing a truly unique backdrop to the actions of Europe’s Beach Volleyball elite. Eight nations per gender will compete in Budapest from July 16 to 19 for continental honours and the coveted trophy in the highly entertaining ‘country vs. country’ format. 

Hungary is well-known as a powerhouse in many sports – ranging from swimming to canoeing, from fencing to modern pentathlon and many more. Beach Volleyball is growing rapidly and Hungary has achieved international success in age-group competitions – with youngsters Bence Tari/Akos Veress securing historic bronze medals in the U18 and U20 continental championships contested in 2023 and 2025, respectively. Moreover, EDRA Tata just finished second in the women’s competition at the Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025 held in Heraklion, Greece, with a roster comprising a mix of home-grown players and some other transferred from neighbouring Slovenia. 

The CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup Final 2026 will certainly provide an unprecedented boost to the growth of the sport – while benefitting from Budapest’s well-known ability to deliver – with much success – major events in a variety of sports. Beach Volleyball events of a smaller nature – such as Futures – have already taken place in the country, but next year’s showdown will raise the profile of the sport to new heights and help inspire many more to follow and possibly play the game. 

The event in Budapest will coincide with the fourth edition of the Nations Cup Final – following previous such events held in Vienna (Austria), Jurmala (Latvia), and Espinho (Portugal). The ‘country vs. country’ format has drawn positive reviews from players, fans, and media alike – and it will again test the depth in the talent pool developed by Europe’s top nations. Norway and Germany are the defending champions among men and women, respectively, following their success earlier this summer on the Atlantic coast of Portugal. 

“I am pleased that the Hungarian Volleyball Federation has come forward with ambitious plans to deliver the Nations Cup Final in such an iconic location. These plans speak volumes about their wish to grow the game and to follow in the footsteps of other such major events organised in their capital, which has established itself as a real global sports hub. We could not ask for a better stage for Europe’s Beach Volleyball elite to put on a show and spread positive vibes with all those following from the stands and remotely as well,” says CEV President Roko Sikirić. “Moreover, the choice of Hungary reflects the vision of the CEV leadership to expand our horizons and break new ground for the sport in Europe.” 

Gabriella Vatai, President of the Hungarian Volleyball Federation, said: “We are immensely proud to host an event of such high calibre in Budapest, as the Nations Cup Final is the second most prestigious competition in European Beach Volleyball after the European Championship. The opportunity to organise the Nations Cup Final is especially significant for us, since Beach Volleyball is one of the most rapidly developing and important sports within the Olympic movement, and we have clear and ambitious goals for this Olympic cycle.”

The CEV will soon open the registration for the competition and the organisation of the preliminary phase whereby seven nations per gender will eventually join hosts Hungary in the Final.