Europe's Best set to arrive in Budapest: CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup Final gets underway on Thursday in Városliget

Just two days remain until Europe's top beach volleyball players take over the heart of Budapest. Organised by the Hungarian Volleyball Federation, the CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup Final 2026 will take place from 16 to 19 July in Budapest's iconic Városliget, hosting Europe's second most prestigious beach volleyball event.

Launched in 2022 and inspired by tennis' Davis Cup format, the competition is unique as athletes compete not only as beach volleyball pairs, but also as members of their national teams. Each nation is represented by two pairs, with this year's tournament marking the fourth edition of the competition. Hungary will make its debut in the Nations Cup Final, while eight men's and eight women's national teams will battle for the title.

A total of 11 nations will be represented in Budapest, with the best beach volleyball players from Czechia, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Türkiye, and Ukraine competing to determine which nation will lift the Nations Cup trophy. The teams will begin the tournament in two pools. The pool winners will advance directly to the semi-finals, while the second and third-placed teams will meet in crossover quarter-finals for the remaining places in the last four. The pool draw will take place on Wednesday.

"A year and a half ago, we dared to dream big and submitted our bid to host this event. Making that decision was much easier than turning the vision into reality, as this area previously consisted of grass, trees, bushes and walkways," Gabriela Vatai, Hungarian Volleyball Federation President shared.

The matches will take place from Thursday to Sunday, admission is free, and we warmly invite everyone to enjoy exciting matches, family activities and a wide range of entertainment throughout the weekend," said Gabriella Vatai.

During the press conference, the President of the Hungarian Volleyball Federation also announced Hungary's squad for the tournament. The women's team will feature Stefánia Kun / Lilla Villám and Chiara Honti-Majoros / Zsófia Vasvári, while the men's team will consist of Artúr Hajós / Lukas Niemeier and Domonkos Dóczi / Bence Tari.

"Beach volleyball creates a truly unique atmosphere, and I believe we are about to present an event unlike anything Budapest has hosted before. It is especially pleasing that Városliget will serve as the venue for such a prestigious tournament, particularly knowing how passionate its CEO is about the sport. Olympic, World and European medallists will compete here, alongside our own Hungarian national teams, whom we will proudly support. I am convinced that everyone who visits the venue will enjoy a truly unforgettable experience," the Federation President said.

The matches will be played in the area between Zöld Küllő and Napozórét in Városliget, where a centre court and several additional courts have been constructed specifically for the tournament.

However, the event will offer much more than world-class beach volleyball. Throughout the weekend, visitors will be able to enjoy a vibrant festival atmosphere, family entertainment and fan activities, all free of charge, making the sport accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

"We are proud that Városliget will host this year's CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup Final, allowing the park to become the continental capital of beach volleyball for a few days. Városliget has long served as one of Budapest's most important recreational spaces, promoting active lifestyles and healthy living, and prestigious international sporting events such as this further strengthen that tradition. As hosts, we especially value the lasting legacy of the tournament. Some of the courts built for the event will remain in the park afterwards, while the surrounding area will be redeveloped with high-quality green spaces and infrastructure in line with the already renewed sections of Városliget. As a result, visitors will benefit from new, freely accessible sports facilities and green recreational areas long after the final point has been played," said Dr Benedek Gyorgyevics, CEO of Városliget.

George Gagalis, CEV Beach Volleyball Director, highlighted the strong partnership between the CEV and the Hungarian Volleyball Federation and expressed his delight at returning to Budapest for such a prestigious event.

"Over the coming days, the city will truly become the centre of European beach volleyball, where spectators will experience the very best the sport has to offer in a unique setting. Beach volleyball is a special sport - dynamic, spectacular, engaging, and always capable of bringing smiles to people's faces. I encourage everyone to come to Városliget, experience the fantastic atmosphere and enjoy the coming days together with us," Gagalis added.

Hungarian national team players Lilla Villám and Artúr Hajós also shared their expectations ahead of the tournament during the press conference. Both emphasised that competing at home, against such a strong international field and in such a unique venue, represents both a special experience and a huge source of motivation. They added that they are eagerly awaiting Thursday's opening matches and hope that large numbers of fans will come to support the Hungarian teams, as home support can make a real difference.

The CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup Final 2026 will take place in Városliget, Budapest, from 16 to 19 July, with free admission throughout the tournament, giving everyone the opportunity to watch Europe's best national beach volleyball teams from up close.

Schedule

Thursday, 16 July

Pool Phase - 10:00 - 19:00

Friday, 17 July

Pool Phase & Women's Quarterfinals - 09:30 - 19:30

Saturday, 18 July

Men's Quarterfinals & Women's Semifinals - 09:30-19:00

Sunday, 19 July

Men's Semifinals & Women's and Men's Finals - 10:00 - 19:30