Sofia is now officially in the rhythm of the upcoming Men's European Volleyball Championship. Five days before Bulgaria's first match, the symbolic clock counting down to EuroVolley 2026 was launched in the center of the capital.
A large-scale installation in the shape of a volleyball was unveiled at Sveta Nedelya Square, which will be one of the visible symbols of the championship in the days leading up to its start. A clock is embedded in it, which is now counting down the remaining time until the first whistle in Sofia.
The symbolic start of the countdown was given by Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev and the President of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation, Lyubomir Ganev. The ceremony was also attended by the captain of the national team, Alex Grozdanov, head coach Gianlorenzo Blengini, and his assistant Andrey Zhekov.
EuroVolley 2026 for Bulgaria begins on September 9th. At 7:00 PM in "Arena 8888 Sofia", the world vice-champions will face the Republic of North Macedonia in their first group stage match.
The organizers are also preparing a number of accompanying events, with which the European Championship should extend beyond the confines of the hall. During the tournament, sports activities will be held in six metropolitan parks, and a special fan zone will be built near "Arena 8888 Sofia".
Two more points in the city are planned with special installations where fans will be able to follow Bulgaria's matches from EuroVolley 2026.
Thus, five days before the national team's first match, the European Championship is already beginning to change the face of Sofia – first with the huge volleyball in the heart of the city, and from September 9th, with the battles of the world vice-champions in "Arena 8888 Sofia".

photo: Nikolay Varadinov