Seven teams join hosts Portugal in #EuroVolleyU22M Final Round

Ukraine, Czechia, Bulgaria, Poland, and France all emerged victorious from the #EuroVolleyU22M qualifiers contested this past weekend across five countries – thereby joining hosts Portugal in the Final Round scheduled for the summer of 2026 in the city of Albufeira. Israel and Italy have qualified as well – as they claimed the spots at stake for the two best runners-up across all pools. 

Ukraine caused a sensation when they beat hosts Italy 3-1 in Cisterna on Saturday and finished Pool A with a perfect record of three wins in as many matches. They had previously beaten Denmark 3-2 and completed their duties with a 3-1 victory over England. Even though they suffered a heavy blow in their loss to Ukraine, Italy did not concede a single set in their remaining matches with Denmark and England, thus still pocketing a ticket to the Final Round. 

France, Czechia, Bulgaria, and Poland were truly dominant in their respective groups. France did not drop a single set in Tbilisi where they played Georgia, Luxembourg, and Ireland – whereas Czechia and Bulgaria lost a single set in Pools B and C contested in Ankara and Sofia, respectively. Poland had to work a bit harder in Daugavpils, Latvia, where they beat Israel 3-2 before they cruised to straightforward 3-0 wins over Croatia and the home side. 

Eight teams are due to contest next year’s Final Round in Portugal. France are the reigning U22 European champions, courtesy of their triumph at the event held last year in the Netherlands.