France started their EuroVolley 2026 campaign with a clean victory, but it was far from a smooth ride through their first obstacle in Group D. The two-time Olympic champions defeated Switzerland 3:0 (25:23, 31:29, 25:21) in Cluj-Napoca, after facing serious problems at times against the 28th-ranked team in the world.
The match is of direct interest to Bulgaria as well, as Group D crosses with our Group B in the Round of 16. The scheme is B1–D4, B2–D3, B3–D2, and B4–D1, so the final standings in Group D will determine the potential opponent for our national team in the first elimination match.
The French started strong – 6:0 after a serving run by Brizard. However, Switzerland gradually got back into the set, and three consecutive aces from Mige led to 17:17. France's experience prevailed in the end, and Iyiegbekedo closed the set at 25:23.
The second set showed the French's problems even more clearly. After leading 8:5, they again allowed their opponent to come back, and Switzerland even took a 21:18 lead after an attack and block by Hauke.
France equalized at 22:22, but the drama was just beginning. The 'Roosters' had to save five set points before snatching the set 31:29 on their second opportunity. Faure scored the decisive point – his 15th up to that moment.
The Swiss continued to pressure the favorite in the third set and took a 9:6 lead. France turned it around to 10:9, but the opponent again closed the gap at 16:15. Only then did Andrea Giani's team manage to assert control, and Brizard's third ace made it 21:18. The end came at 25:21.
The key player for France was Faure with 21 points and 56% attack efficiency, to which he added one block. Clevenot finished with 11 points. For Switzerland, Mige was the top scorer with 13, Hauke recorded 9, and Kolb – 8 points.
France's next match is even more interesting from a Bulgarian perspective. On Saturday, the 'Roosters' face Turkey – No. 10 in the world rankings and one of the direct competitors for the top spots in Group D. The Turks already showed this summer that they can defeat the French, having beaten them 3:0 in the Nations League in Ottawa three months ago.
It is precisely the matches between France, Turkey, and Germany that will give a much clearer idea of what the top of the Group D standings will look like. For Bulgaria, this is of direct importance – any shift there changes the potential opponent for our national team in the Round of 16.

photo: cev.eu