The European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) and the Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV) have officially confirmed that the semifinals and medal matches of the 2026 Men's European Championship will be held at the "Unipol Forum" in Assago, near Milan. In doing so, the organizers have made a change to the preliminary plan for the final phase of the championship, with the decisive matches now to be hosted by one of Italy's most famous multi-purpose arenas. The dates remain unchanged – September 25 and 26, 2026, but there is a slight adjustment to the start times of the matches. The semifinals will begin at 5:00 PM (6:00 PM Bulgarian time) and 9:00 PM (10:00 PM Bulgarian time) on September 25, and a day later, the third-place match will be played at 5:00 PM (6:00 PM Bulgarian time) and the grand final at 9:00 PM (10:00 PM Bulgarian time). During the final weekend of the tournament, the four best national teams in Europe will compete not only for the European title but also for crucial points in the battle for qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The European champion will receive a direct quota for the Games.
The "Unipol Forum" is located in the municipality of Assago, immediately adjacent to the southwestern part of Milan. The hall was opened in 1990 and is among the most prestigious sports and concert facilities in Italy. For sports events, its capacity is about 12,700 spectators, and for concerts, it can accommodate over 15,000 people. It is the permanent home of the basketball giant Olimpia Milano, and over the years it has hosted numerous EuroLeague matches, world and European championships in various sports, as well as major international concerts. An arena with rich experience in organizing high-level events, the "Unipol Forum" was also among the key facilities during the Milan – Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, when it hosted the figure skating and short track competitions.
Information regarding the start of ticket sales for the final phase of EuroVolley 2026 will be published additionally through the championship's official channels.