The Greek women's national team announced its final roster for the 2026 European Volleyball Championship. Apostolos Oikonomou's selection is one of Bulgaria's opponents in Group B, with the two teams facing each other on August 23 at 5:00 PM in Brno.
The match against our southern neighbors is shaping up to be one of the key ones for the Bulgarian national team in the battle for a place in the elimination phase. The group also includes hosts Czech Republic, Serbia, Ukraine, and Austria, and Bulgaria will definitely be looking for a win against Greece if they want to significantly increase their chances of advancing past the group stage.
The Greek team departed for the Czech Republic on Wednesday morning, August 19. The team first flies to Vienna, from where they continue by bus to Brno. On the day of their arrival, the Greek women must have their first training session at the Brno Exhibition Centre, where the Group B matches will be played.
Coach Apostolos Oikonomou selected 14 volleyball players for EuroVolley 2026.
Setters: Lamprini Konstantinidou (captain), Evangelia Tani
Middle Blockers: Irini Hadjiefstratiadou, Aristea Tondai, Markella Papageorgiou, Erika-Pelagia Gravari
Outside Hitters: Efrosini Bakodimou, Elpida Tikmanidou, Georgia-Loula Angelopoulou, Maria Klepkou
Opposites: Marta-Evdokia Anthouli, Styliani Gyurda
Liberos: Maria-Katerina Xanthopoulou, Georgia-Maria Antonakaki.
Among the most recognizable names in the squad is undoubtedly Marta Anthouli. The 202-centimeter opposite is one of the big figures in the current generation of Greek women's volleyball. The 21-year-old Anthouli plays for Turkish Aras Kargo, after previously spending two seasons with Italian Chieri. Her resume already includes trophies from the CEV Cup and Challenge Cup, as well as a Greek championship title and Cup. The other very recognizable name is captain Lamprini Konstantinidou. The setter currently defends the colors of Panathinaikos, and has significant international experience behind her. The Konstantinidou – Anthouli connection could be one of Greece's main trump cards in attack.
Before the clash with Bulgaria, Greece will have two consecutive matches. Oikonomou's team starts against hosts Czech Republic on August 21, and on the next day faces Ukraine. Bulgaria begins its participation on August 21 against Ukraine. The schedule puts Greece in an interesting situation before the match with Bulgaria – the team will play its third match in three consecutive days. For the Bulgarian national team, however, the calculation is clear: against a direct rival like Greece, a victory will be of paramount importance if Bulgaria wants to advance to the eliminations of EuroVolley 2026.