Team Portugal poised to contest revamped European League

The Portuguese women’s national team has taken its first step towards a 2026 season that promises to be historic. With the deep restructuring of continental competitions decided by CEV, the former Golden and Silver Leagues – the latter of which was won by the Portuguese women in 2024 – give way to a unified and more demanding Volleyball European League. This new format now stands as the main qualification route for EuroVolley 2028, with four direct spots at stake in the 2026 edition alone.

The journey of these true warriors begins on national soil. Vila do Conde will be the stage for the first major test between June 5-7, where Portugal will have the responsibility of organising Tournament 5 of the group stage, facing the national teams of North Macedonia and Hungary. Training will begin on May 18 at the Santo Tirso Municipal Sports Pavillion.

A squad with new blood

To face this challenge, head coach Hugo Silva announced a list of 15 athletes that combines the experience of core figures with the irreverence of debutants. The highlight goes to the first call-up of three young talents to the senior team: libero Rita Campos (Leixões SC), Joana Milho, who plays in the USA for Central Methodist University (both 22 years of age) and outside hitter Inês Campos (Castêlo da Maia GC), who is only 18.

The complete list includes middle blockers Amanda Cavalcanti (Sporting CP), Joana Garcez (SL Benfica), Marlene Pereira (CD Fiães), and Raissa Cassamá (Vitória SC); setters Ana Figueiras (SC Braga) and Mariana Garcez (SL Benfica); opposites Júlia Kavalenka (Volley Millenium Brescia / Italy) and Maria Reis Lopes (SC Braga); outside hitters Ana Rui Monteiro (FC Porto), Alice Clemente (SL Benfica), Inês Campos (Castêlo da Maia GC), Margarida Maia (SC Braga), and Joana Milho (Central Methodist University, USA); and libero Matilde Calado (SC Braga), in addition to the aforementioned debutant Rita Campos (Leixões SC).

Hugo Silva: “The hardest challenge ever”

Silva does not hide the magnitude of the task ahead. He foresees a year of maximum demand, where the ability to overcome obstacles will be the key to success. He states that it will be a difficult path, but it will expose the true champions within each of the athletes selected. Moreover, Silva underlines that the group will face trials by fire against teams like Hungary, Romania, and Greece, but views this as an opportunity, noting that this level of opposition is exactly what Portuguese women’s Volleyball needs to grow. He believes that to reach their best, it is imperative to give their maximum and, above all, to reinvent themselves. Despite the pressure, the coach notes that the group is impatient to begin and show the evolution of the sport in Portugal.

Ambition and the strength of Vila do Conde

One of the most experienced voices in the locker room, Júlia Kavalenka, reinforces the feeling of confidence. The opposite, who plays in Italy, ensures that the team views the increase in competitiveness with ambition. She mentions that they know the level will rise, but it is precisely this type of challenge that makes them grow, and they will face every game with seriousness, aware that every detail can make the difference. Regarding the start in Vila do Conde, the player points to the public as the ‘seventh element’, stating that playing at home gives them extra energy and that the support of the fans will be decisive for a strong start in this new competition. After the inaugural tournament on home soil, Team Portugal will travel to Greece and, subsequently, to the home of the Preliminary Round winner. 

The path of Portugal

Portugal’s journey starts with the group stage, being the first host in Vila do Conde for one of the 24 tournaments. Before that, the Preliminary Round will take place from May 29-31, 2026, featuring Denmark, Luxembourg, Albania, and Lithuania, where the winners and the runners-up secure their progression to the group stage.

In the group stage (League Round), Portugal hosts the 1st Tournament from June 5-7 against North Macedonia and Hungary. The 2nd Tournament will be held in Greece from June 12 to 14 against the hosts and Kosovo. The 3rd Tournament takes place from June 19 to 21, hosted by the winners of the Preliminary Round, where Portugal will also face Romania. Finally, the top four will progress to home and away semis scheduled for late June and early July followed by home and away finals.