At an online meeting of the BFV Management Board, a decision was made on which city would host Euro 2026. Varna was a main candidate, but the Management Board decided that Sofia has a greater capacity to meet the interest.
⚙️ The arguments behind the decision
During the meeting, the members of the Management Board discussed a number ofobjective factors, among which the main place was taken by:
the possibility ofgreater attendance;
ensuring access for more spectators and families;
the increased public interest after the success of the national team.
The BFV management emphasized thatsupport for the national team remains a priority, but also the responsibility to ensure that volleyball reaches the widest possible audience. The decision is also in line with the guidelines of theEuropean Volleyball Confederation (CEV), which encourages matches to be held in front of large audiences.
🌊 Varna – appreciation and tradition
InitiallyVarnawas considered a main candidate host – a city with deep traditions in Bulgarian volleyball and an iconic audience, in front of whom our national team has achieved a number of great victories.
The Municipal Council of Varna showed readiness and supported the project, for which the BFV expressedsincere gratitude.
“The Federation remains open for cooperation with Varna Municipality and highly values the partnership to date,” the official statement reads.
BFV emphasized that it will continue to work with the maritime capital on future initiatives and hosting prestigious tournaments.
🏐 Sofia – a bigger stage for the national team
The national team's silver medals,the inspiration the boys brought, and the immense interest among children and fans across the country have led to a logical necessity – to ensureaccess for the largest possible number of spectatorsto the EuroVolley 2026 matches.
Hall“Arena Sofia”– with a capacity of over12,000 seats– provides the ideal conditions for this.
It will allowmore families and supportersto experience the volleyball emotion live and to support the national team on its way to new successes.
🤝 Decision with a view to the future
The decision of the Management Board has been adoptedwith respect to all partnersand with the clear conviction thatBulgarian volleyball belongs to its fans.
The BFV remains open and grateful to all who contribute to the development and successes of the game in the country.
🔹The only 'no' votein the voting was cast bythe president of the "Cherno More" club, which is completely understandable given the fact that Varna was the initial candidate host and the city is closely linked to the history and successes of Bulgarian volleyball.
