Tomorrow The Sofia Municipal Council will consider a proposal that could change the direction of European volleyball next year. At Session No. 49, scheduled for 10:00 AM in "Sofia" Hall, councilors will discuss the possibility for the capital to host the matches of the 2026 Men's European Volleyball Championship, which will be held in Bulgaria. Thus, instead of the initially planned hosting in Varna, the matches could be played in Sofia.

📍 The Proposal: Sofia enters the game for a major sports event

The project envisages the Sofia Municipality becoming a partner of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation and taking a key role in the organization of the tournament. The plan includes funding in the amount ofBGN 500,000 without VATfrom the municipal budget for the preparation and hosting of the event.

The funds will be allocated to the accommodation and transport of teams and officials, organizational fees, and technical support for the event. The funding is expected to be paid in two tranches – the first after signing the agreement, and the second after the championship concludes in 2026.

🏙️ Why the capital is the better choice

There are several arguments in favor of moving from Varna to Sofia, all related to the capital's better infrastructure and strategic importance.

Sofia has modern halls with larger capacity, convenient communications, and international transport connectivity, which will facilitate the arrival of teams and fans. Furthermore, holding the matches in September 2026 could coincide with Sofia Day – September 17th, which will give the tournament even greater public and symbolic significance. At the same time, residents of Varna have already started protesting on social media against the "takeover," as they believe the sea capital has rightfully earned the nickname "the volleyball capital of Bulgaria."

📊 Expected benefits: more audience, more tourists, greater advertising

Organizing the EuroVolley 2026 matches in Sofia is expected to bring significant economic and image benefits to the city.

📈Comment:Forecasts show that the potential impact far exceeds the sports aspect. The event would become a powerful tool for promoting Sofia and Bulgaria to millions of viewers worldwide and would give a serious boost to the local economy and tourism.

📢 What will be expected from the federation

Should the proposal be accepted, the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation will be tasked with actively promoting the capital as a host. This includes branding venues, creating fan zones, digital campaigns, and various activities aimed at both Bulgarian and international audiences.

🏁 The final is approaching

It is important to emphasize that at this stage, the proposal has not yet been voted on. The decision on whether Sofia will undertake the organization of the EuroVolley 2026 matches to be played in Bulgaria is pending and will be made at the meeting of the Sofia Municipal Council onOctober 9, 2025

If the project receives the green light, the capital will have the opportunity to become a stage for clashes between the best teams on the continent and to establish its name as one of the leading volleyball capitals in Europe.

🇧🇬Bulgaria's group at EuroVolley 2026

📊Comment:Group B promises intrigue and a sporting spectacle. The presence of reigning champion Poland guarantees top-class matches, while clashes with Ukraine and Portugal will also carry an emotional charge due to recent encounters between these rivals and Bulgaria. North Macedonia comes as an opponent chosen by the host, which adds regional flair to the tournament. Our national team will have a real chance to advance, especially with a home atmosphere in Sofia.