Coach Hugo Silva about Portugal’s ambitious EuroVolley return

As the countdown to CEV Trendyol EuroVolley 2026 continues, the Portuguese women’s national volleyball team is gearing up for one of the most significant chapters in its modern history. Placed in Pool C in Baku alongside hosts Azerbaijan, 2023 bronze medalists Netherlands, world’s number 11 Belgium, Romania and Spain, Portugal enter the tournament determined to prove that their second-ever European Championship appearance is a stepping stone rather than a destination.

Having secured their place among the best runners-up in qualification, Portugal face a formidable test. Head coach Hugo Silva views the high-caliber pool not as a daunting obstacle, but as the ultimate benchmark for his squad’s ongoing evolution.

"We are facing the most demanding competition that this generation of athletes and the Portuguese women's national team have ever participated in," Silva emphasized. "We know fully well the level we are going to encounter and we approach this challenge with a huge sense of responsibility, but also with the ambition to show the growth we have been building."

Pool C presents a compelling blend of powerhouse teams and familiar rivals. Opening their campaign against the host nation in front of a passionate Baku crowd will immediately put Portugal’s resolve to the test, followed by clashes against world-class opposition like the Netherlands.

"The draw placed us in an extremely competitive group," Silva analyzed. "The Netherlands arrive after reaching the quarterfinals of the Volleyball Nations League, which demonstrates the quality of volleyball we will face. Romania and Spain are opponents we know well and have competed against on several occasions, although we have not managed to beat them yet. Azerbaijan, on the other hand, will have the advantage of playing at home and will be our first opponent, in an environment that is expected to be demanding. It will be an immediate test of our competitive capacity and team character."

Portugal’s recent trajectory is defined by a deliberate blending of experienced core players with rising young talents – a strategy Silva insists goes far beyond load management. For the national team, integrating youth is a long-term tactical necessity to bridge the gap with Europe’s elite.

"The renewal of the national team is not just an option; it is a necessity," Silva stated firmly. "Integrating younger athletes is part of the strategy to increase team competitiveness and prepare the future. We know that Portuguese women's volleyball is still looking to reduce the distance to the main European teams, and that path is made by giving opportunities, accelerating the growth of the athletes, and creating an increasingly solid foundation for the future."

This structural shift has brought a renewed sense of resilience and maturity to the collective unit, qualities that Silva believes will be vital on the EuroVolley stage.

"We are aware that we have evolved significantly in recent years, but we also know that international demands are constantly growing," Silva noted. "Maintaining this level and continuing to progress means continuing to find new solutions, developing more talent, and creating a competitive culture that allows the national team to consistently establish itself.

"What makes me most satisfied is the attitude this group has shown. Over the last two years, these athletes have revealed an extraordinary willingness to work, learn and overcome difficulties. That ambition makes us believe that we can face challenges of this size with increasing confidence and consistency. I continue to look to the future with optimism, without ever losing sight of the scale of the path we still have to travel to be regularly present in major international competitions."

Following weeks of intensive preparation, the squad’s seamless integration of returning veterans and fresh prospects has reinforced internal confidence, even as some players battle back from recent physical setbacks.

"The preparation we carried out over the first three weeks confirmed everything we believe in," Silva said. "The commitment, dedication and professionalism of all the athletes were exemplary. It would not be fair to ask for more than what each player delivered daily. Some are still recovering from recent injuries and are still looking for their best physical condition, but that has never diminished their desire to contribute to the team."

As Portugal finalize their preparations before taking to the court in Baku, the collective focus remains clear: stand tall, fight for every point, and elevate Portuguese volleyball on the continental stage.

"We enter this competition aware of the difficulties, but also convinced that we will represent Portugal with immense pride," Silva concluded. "Commitment, unity, and competitive spirit will be present at every moment, and I believe the preparation carried out puts us in the best condition to face this challenge and bring honor to Portuguese women's volleyball."

Coach Silva also announced Portugal's 14-player roster for EuroVolley 2026:

Setters: Ana Figueiras, Mariana Garcez
Opposites: Julia Kavalenka, Maria Reis Lopes
Outside hitters: Alice Clemente, Ana Rui Monteiro, Ines Campos, Joana Milho, Margarida Maia
Middle blockers: Amanda Cavalcanti, Joana Garcez, Raissa Cassama
Liberos: Matilde Calado, Rita Campos