The Road to Glory: CEV EuroVolley 2026 Women’s Pools Unveiled

In a spectacle worthy of European volleyball`s premier event, the Castello Normanno-Svevo in Bari, Italy, played host to the highly anticipated Drawing of Lots for the CEV EuroVolley 2026 Women. With 24 elite teams vying for continental supremacy, the stakes were high, and the ceremony delivered a thrilling glimpse into the competitive landscape that awaits. The path to the trophy has been charted, revealing a series of intriguing matchups and potential rivalries that promise to captivate fans across the continent.

Strategic Selections: How Hosts Shaped the Competition

The four co-host nations – Türkiye, Czechia, Azerbaijan, and Sweden – were granted a unique privilege: the power to select one opponent to join their respective preliminary pools. This strategic advantage, a small chess move in the grand game, offered a fascinating early twist to the tournament`s narrative. Türkiye, perhaps eyeing a local rivalry or a comfortable opening, chose Latvia for Pool A. Czechia welcomed Austria to Pool B, while Azerbaijan opted for Portugal in Pool C. Completing the quartet, Sweden brought Montenegro into Pool D, ensuring some familiar faces would indeed meet. While seemingly minor decisions, these choices could subtly shift momentum and set the tone for the group stages.

The Preliminary Pools: A Deep Dive into the Battlegrounds

With the selections made and the remaining teams drawn, the 24 contenders were meticulously sorted into four demanding pools. Each group now presents its own unique set of challenges and compelling storylines.

Pool A: Rematches and Rising Tensions

• Teams: Türkiye (co-host), Latvia, Poland, Germany, Slovenia, Hungary

Istanbul is set to witness some immediate fireworks. Pool A features a compelling rematch of a quarter-final clash from the previous edition: Türkiye versus Poland. The co-hosts will undoubtedly be looking to leverage their home crowd advantage against a strong Polish side. Adding another layer of history, Poland and Germany will rekindle their Round of 16 encounter from 2023, where Poland secured a decisive 3:0 victory. With Slovenia and Hungary rounding out the group, Pool A promises intense battles right from the outset.

Pool B: Serbian Dominance and Czech Aspirations

• Teams: Czechia (co-host), Austria, Serbia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Greece

Brno will be the stage for Pool B, where all eyes will be on the formidable Serbian squad. As runners-up in the CEV EuroVolley Women 2023, Serbia enters as clear favorites to top this group and stake their claim for the ultimate prize. Co-hosts Czechia, who enjoyed a fantastic run to the quarter-finals in 2023 before falling to Serbia, will be eager to rekindle that fighting spirit on home soil. Alongside Austria, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Greece, this pool presents a test of resilience and strategic prowess for all involved.

Pool C: Dutch Precision Meets Fierce Competition

• Teams: Azerbaijan (co-host), Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Romania, Spain

The bronze medallists from the 2023 edition, the Netherlands, lead Pool C. Their impressive record in the last tournament, losing only a single match and dropping just four sets, underscores their consistency and quality. They will be aiming to replicate their pool-winning performance, but face a competitive field including co-hosts Azerbaijan, Portugal, Belgium, Romania, and Spain. While the Netherlands may be considered the frontrunners, the unpredictable nature of European volleyball ensures that no victory will come easily.

Pool D: Italian Might and Host Nation Hopes

• Teams: Sweden (co-host), Montenegro, Italy, France, Slovakia, Croatia

Perhaps the most anticipated grouping is Pool D, where reigning world and Olympic champions, Italy, will showcase their unparalleled form. Having not suffered a loss in over a year and securing two gold medals in recent major international competitions, Italy is a volleyball juggernaut. Despite finishing fourth at EuroVolley 2023, their current trajectory is undeniable. They will face co-hosts Sweden, Montenegro, Slovakia, Croatia, and a familiar adversary in France, whom they decisively eliminated 3:0 in the 2023 quarter-finals. The Swedes, playing on home turf, will undoubtedly aim to challenge the Italian titans and make a deep run.

The Road Ahead: Qualification to the Knockout Stage

The preliminary rounds are more than just a formality; they are a crucible designed to test every team`s mettle. Only the top four teams from each pool will earn the right to advance to the coveted Round of 16, keeping their dreams of the European title alive. For the remaining two teams from each group – eight in total – the journey will end, and they will head home, reflecting on what might have been. This unforgiving format ensures that every match carries significant weight, promising a thrilling and high-stakes tournament from start to finish.

The CEV EuroVolley 2026 Women is shaping up to be a truly spectacular event. With powerful teams, intriguing rematches, and the strategic flair of the host nations, the stage is set for an unforgettable display of skill, passion, and competitive spirit. As the pools are now etched in stone, the countdown to tip-off has officially begun, and volleyball fans around the world can look forward to a tournament filled with drama, triumphs, and perhaps, a few surprises along the way.