Ukraine, Czechia, Bulgaria, Poland, and France successfully concluded their #EuroVolleyU22M qualifiers last weekend across five nations. These teams will now join host country Portugal in the Final Round, scheduled for summer 2026 in Albufeira. Israel and Italy also secured their berths by claiming the spots reserved for the two best runners-up across all pools.
Ukraine created a stir by defeating hosts Italy 3-1 in Cisterna on Saturday, thus finishing Pool A with a perfect record of three wins in as many matches. They had previously overcome Denmark 3-2 and concluded their qualifiers with a 3-1 victory over England. Despite their significant loss to Ukraine, Italy did not drop a single set in their remaining matches against Denmark and England, thereby still securing their ticket to the Final Round.
France, Czechia, Bulgaria, and Poland demonstrated clear dominance in their respective groups. France did not lose a single set in Tbilisi, where they faced Georgia, Luxembourg, and Ireland. Czechia and Bulgaria conceded only one set each in Pools B and C, held in Ankara and Sofia, respectively. Poland had to work a bit harder in Daugavpils, Latvia, where they edged out Israel 3-2 before comfortably securing 3-0 victories against Croatia and the home team.
Eight teams are set to compete in next year`s Final Round in Portugal. France holds the title of reigning U22 European champions, having triumphed at the tournament held last year in the Netherlands.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood