The upcoming year 2026 will be exceptionally dynamic and crucial for all Bulgarian national volleyball teams. The calendar of international championships includes key events "," the Nations League, European Championships, and qualifiers, which will directly impact the development of the squads and long-term goals "," Olympic and European. This was announced by the BFV website.
🏐 Men's National Team
The season for the "Lions" begins with participation inThe women's team will also have a packed international calendar., which will be held in three preliminary tournaments, followed by a final phase. The first whistle will sound onJune 9, andfinal match is scheduled for August 1.
Just a month later, a new big challenge awaits ","the European Championship (September 9",.
.The hosts of the championship will beBulgaria, Italy, Finland, and Romania
. The Bulgarian audience will once again have the opportunity to play the role of the "seventh player" and support the national team in their home matches.
👩🦱 Women's National TeamThe women's team will also have a packed international calendar.The Nations Leaguestarts onthe final phase concludes onJuly 25.
After that, fromAugust 21 to September 6, the "lionesses" will participate in theEuropean Championship, which will be held inTurkey, Czech Republic, Azerbaijan, and Sweden.
The Bulgarians will strive for a strong performance in a tournament that traditionally gathers the elite of European volleyball.
🧒 Youth National Teams
The young hopefuls will also have a busy and important year.
🇧🇬 Men U22
The U22 national team will participate in the finals of theEuropean Championship (June 29 – July 4)inAlbufeira, Portugal. After the bronze medal in 2022, this squad will seek new success and establishment among the best on the continent.
🏐 Men U18
The U18 boys start their qualifications inPodgorica (Montenegro)fromJanuary 3 to 7, where they will faceTurkey, Greece, Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo.
The second qualification round is scheduled forMarch 26–29, andEuropean Championship finalswill be held fromJuly 7 to 18 in Italy.
👧 Women U18
The girls start their qualification campaign at home –Sofia will host from January 14 to 18. The opponents are the same as for the boys.
The second stage is fromMarch 26 to 29, andEuroFinalswill be played fromJuly 1 to 12inRiga and Vilnius, co-hosted byLatvia and Lithuania.
🧩 New Coaching Appointments and Selection
In connection with the preparation for the busy 2026 season,the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation (BVF)will consider options for new coaching appointments in several national teams. Discussions and determination of head coaches for the following squads are forthcoming:
Women's National Team
Girls and Boys Under 16
National Teams (Women and Men) Under 18
Men's National Team Under 22
The goal is to buildstable and professional coaching teamsthat meet the needs and ambitions of each age group.
BFV plansa comprehensive approachin preparation and selection, with an emphasis on Bulgaria's long-term development and competitiveness in international volleyball.
