The Olympic final from Paris 2024 will have its rematch in the battle for the European title. France stopped the sensation Finland with 3:1 (25:17, 18:25, 25:18, 25:15) and will meet Poland in the EuroVolley 2026 final. Two years after the battle for Olympic gold, the two teams once again face each other in a match with huge stakes – this time, in addition to the European title, a direct quota for Los Angeles 2028 is also on the table.
The Finns, who delivered the biggest sensation of the championship by eliminating world champion Italy in the quarterfinals, once again showed that their place among the top four was no accident. After losing the first set 17:25, they responded in the best way and equalized after 25:18 in the second.
From then on, however, France gradually took control. The Olympic champions regained the initiative with 25:18 in the third set, and in the fourth, they left no opportunity for Finland to get back into the match. The "Roosters" took a convincing lead and closed the match with 25:15 after a total of 95 minutes of play.
Mathis Enard played a great match for France. The 24-year-old outside hitter finished as the top scorer in the semifinal with 21 points, including an impressive 7 blocks. It was Enard who brought the match point to the French, and seconds later Trevor Clevenot ended the match and sent the Olympic champions to the final.
Théo Faure added 20 points for the winners. For Finland, Luka Marttila scored 13 points, and Joel Jokela – 12.
Thus, Milan will see a clash between the reigning European champion Poland and the Olympic champion France. Polish media immediately described the upcoming match as an opportunity for revenge for Paris 2024. It was France that stopped Poland in the Olympic final in front of their home crowd and took the gold.
Now the roles are different, but the stakes are again huge. The winner in Milan will not only become European champion but will also receive a direct European quota for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.
Paris 2024 gave Olympic gold to France. Milan 2026 will give the European title to one of the two teams – and a ticket to Los Angeles 2028.

photo:cev.eu