BetweenSeptember 10 and 27, 2026volleyball Europe will turn its attention toItaly, Bulgaria, Finland and Romaniawhich will host the Men's European Championship.
All matches of the Bulgarian national team will be played in"Arena 8888" in Sofiawhich will once again become a temple of volleyball and a stage for great emotions.
🇧🇬 Bulgaria's Program – Group B (Arena 8888)
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 9 | 7:00 PM | Bulgaria - North Macedonia | Arena Sofia |
| September 11 | 7:00 PM | Bulgaria - Portugal | Arena Sofia |
| September 12 | 7:00 PM | Bulgaria - Ukraine | Arena Sofia |
| September 14 | 7:00 PM | Bulgaria - Israel | Arena Sofia |
| September 16 | 7:00 PM | Bulgaria - Poland | Arena Sofia |
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Bulgaria's schedule is balanced, with our team starting with a match against North Macedonia - a convenient opponent for tuning their game. The matches against Ukraine and Poland will be key for qualification, and the support of the home crowd could prove decisive. The matches are in the evening, which guarantees full stands and a captivating atmosphere.
🏐 Knockout phase in "Arena Sofia"
1/8-finals
| Date | Time | Match |
|---|---|---|
| September 19 | 16:00 | (EF5) ", ", 1st in Group B vs 4th in Group D |
| September 19 | 19:00 | (EF8) ", ", 2nd in Group B vs 3rd in Group D |
| September 20 | 16:00 | (EF6) ", ", 1st in Group D vs 4th in Group B |
| September 20 | 19:00 | (EF7) ", ", 2nd in Group D vs 3rd in Group B |
Quarter-finals
| Date | Time | Match |
|---|---|---|
| September 22 | 16:00 | (QF3) ", ", Winner EF5 vs Winner EF8 |
| September 22 | 19:00 | (QF4) ", ", Winner EF6 vs Winner EF7 |
The knockout phase promises spectacular matches featuring the strongest teams from the groups. If Bulgaria manages to finish among the top two in its group, it will have a real chance for a quarter-final in front of its home crowd – something that would provide an additional boost towards a potential breakthrough.
🇧🇬 Sofia – the heart of EuroVolley 2026
Hosting matches from the group and knockout phases,Sofiawill become one of the centers of European volleyball. Fans will have the opportunity to watch live some of the continent's biggest stars, andthe Bulgarian national teamwill strive to show a new face – with young talents and experienced leaders, ready to inspire the country.
Expectations:
Bulgaria has the potential to fight for a place among the best. If the team finds its rhythm in the first two matches of the tournament, with the support of the audience in "Arena Sofia", it could become one of the favorites for the top places at EuroVolley 2026. Moreover, the stakes are high - first place secures a quota for Los Angeles 2028!
The delay in announcing the official program was due to Group A, which is in Italy, as the semi-finals and the distribution of prize-winning places will also be held there.
Pool A in Italy will start with a spectacular outdoor match in Naples – the hosts against Sweden. After that, the Italians will face Czechia and Slovenia on September 15 and 17.
In Pool C, which will be played in Tampere (Finland), fans are looking forward to the clashes Serbia – Netherlands and Serbia – Belgium, as well as the "northern derby" Finland – Estonia.
The organizers urge spectators to prepare on time, as interest in tickets is huge, and the experience is shaping up to be"once in a lifetime".
