Filip Despotovski: "No surrender" — North Macedonia eyes two wins at EuroVolley 2026

North Macedonia's men's volleyball team has arrived in Sofia to begin its fourth appearance at the European Championship finals, which open on Wednesday. The squad travels with high hopes after a lengthy preparation that included a month-and-a-half training block and two months of competition in the European League.

General secretary Filip Despotovski spoke bluntly about the team's mindset ahead of the group stage, saying the side will not give up despite the quality of some opponents. He singled out the two matches he believes are the best opportunities for victory.

Despotovski: no surrender, target two wins

"Regardless of the opponents, we have no surrender. We also play volleyball, and they play volleyball. For this event we prepared for months and a half and previously two months in the European League. I don't see why we would give up on something, even if from their side they may not see us as outsiders. I do not see myself as an outsider. Especially not in those two matches with Portugal and Israel. For the first three, naturally those are national teams that will fight for the very top, so realistically we must show our best play there, but the chances are smaller than regarding the last two matches," Despotovski told Sports Radio 90.3 FM.

Coach Milenkoski and the players have already voiced a strong desire to give Macedonian supporters another reason to celebrate. The team will have two days to acclimatize before the opening fixture on Wednesday, when North Macedonia meets hosts Bulgaria in Armeec Hall in front of more than 14,000 fans.

With a group that includes several established contenders, the federation's leadership is emphasizing realism but also ambition: secure the attainable victories first and then aim to produce their best volleyball against the stronger sides.

Photo: Одбојкарска федерација на Македонија (FB)