Milenkoski: Friendlies with Beroe come at the right time ahead of EuroVolley 2026

North Macedonia's men's volleyball team has entered the final stage of preparation for its fourth appearance at the European Championship — EuroVolley 2026. As part of the lead-up to the continental tournament, the squad will host Bulgarian Superleague side Beroe 2016 from Stara Zagora for a series of joint sessions and friendly matches.

The visitors are scheduled to arrive in Skopje this evening (September 1, 2026), with several sparring encounters planned to begin tomorrow at the Jane Sandanski Sports Center. Team officials say the meetings will give the national side crucial match practice before the trip to Sofia.

Coach Josko Milenkoski outlined the programme and welcomed the preparation opportunity: "According to the plan, Beroe will be here for three days. We'll arrange joint trainings, sparrings, and we will certainly have one or two friendly matches. It remains to be agreed. For us at this stage of preparations before the European Championship these friendlies are welcome," he said.

Final tune-ups before departure

Training and the scheduled control matches will take place at SC "Jane Sandanski" in Skopje. Coaches view the three planned meetings as the last substantive test of the team's form and combinations ahead of departure to the EuroVolley venues in Bulgaria.

With squad selection largely settled, these encounters will focus on sharpening tactics and building match rhythm under competitive conditions. The federation expects the friendlies to help the players adapt to the tempo they will face at the championship.

Photo: press material from the event