Portugal set sights on EuroVolley 2028 via revamped European League
News
The Portuguese men’s national team returns to action this Monday, fully focused on the revamped CEV Volleyball European League 2026. Head coach João José’s squad will begin preparations at the Santa Maria Maior Pavillion in Viana do Castelo, thus marking the start of a campaign of historic significance for Portuguese Volleyball.
The 2026 edition introduces major changes following the CEV’s restructuring of the competition. The model has been streamlined: the top four teams from the regular phase will advance to the semi-finals, played in a home-and-away format, with the bronze medal match being discontinued. The ultimate prize? The top four finishers secure direct qualification for the CEV EuroVolley 2028.
A blend of generations
João José has called up a roster that blends the experience of established veterans with the energy of rising stars. The list features absolute debuts for Diogo Fevereiro, Gonçalo Gomes, and Tomás Teixeira, alongside the return of Miguel Cunha, Manuel Figueiredo, and Nuno Teixeira.
João José“Our goal is clear: we want to reach the semi-finals. Being in the top four allows us to fight for the podium and secure EuroVolley qualification. Additionally, every result is vital for the ranking that determines spots for the next World Championship.”
Head coach of Team Portugal
Nuno Marques, a key figure in the squad, believes that integrating youth is the right path to closing the gap with world powers. He views the pressure positively, trusting the current core to elevate Portugal’s competitive level.
The road ahead
Portugal’s journey begins in Denmark (June 5-7) against the hosts and Iceland. The team then returns home to Matosinhos (June 12-14) to face Latvia and Montenegro, before concluding the regular phase in Azerbaijan (June 19-21) against the home side and Hungary. This competition also serves as a vital barometer for EuroVolley 2026 this September, where Portugal will face giants like Poland and Bulgaria in Sofia.
Roster
Setters: Bruno Dias, Diogo Almeida, Diogo Fevereiro
Opposites: Alexandre Ferreira, José Pinto, Rodrigo Costa
Outside Hitters: Tomás Teixeira, André Pereira, Nuno Marques, Miguel Cunha, Manuel Figueiredo
Middle Blockers: Guilherme Menezes, Filip Cveticanin, Kelton Tavares, Nuno Teixeira
Liberos: Gonçalo Sousa, Gonçalo Gomes