Poland beats Portugal 3-0 in Sofia; Ukraine defeat Israel 3-1
Reigning champions Poland won in straight sets in Pool B, while Ukraine defeated Israel; North Macedonia are in the same group.
Poland, the reigning European champion, opened their EuroVolley 2026 campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Portugal in Pool B in Sofia on 10 September 2026. The match took place in Arena 8888 and the victory confirmed Poland as one of the early favourites in the tournament. ([www-old.cev.eu](https://www-old.cev.eu/Competition-Area/MatchPage.aspx?mID=84811))
Poland dominant from start to finish
The Polish side controlled the game across all phases and wrapped the contest in straight sets, 25:12, 25:18 and 25:20. Head coach Nikola Grbić fielded a strong line-up and Poland did not face any sustained threat from Portugal during the 16:00 kick-off. ([www-old.cev.eu](https://www-old.cev.eu/Competition-Area/MatchPage.aspx?mID=84811))
Top marks for the winners went to Bartlomiej Boladz, who finished with nine points, while Wilfredo Leon Venero and Bartlomiej Lemański contributed seven points apiece as Poland collected the three competition points. ([www-old.cev.eu](https://www-old.cev.eu/Competition-Area/MatchPage.aspx?mID=84811))
Ukraine also wins in Pool B
Ukraine secured a 3-1 victory over Israel in their Pool B opener in Sofia, posting set scores of 25:22, 25:19, 22:25 and 25:19. The Ukrainians took the first two sets, Israel claimed the third, but Ukraine regained control in the fourth to close out the win. ([www-old.cev.eu](https://www-old.cev.eu/Competition-Area/MatchPage.aspx?ID=1572&mID=84479))
North Macedonia share Pool B with Poland, Ukraine, Portugal, Israel and Bulgaria; Ukraine will be North Macedonia’s opponent in the next round as the group stage continues in Sofia. The pool schedule and match locations are part of the official EuroVolley calendar. ([webmedia.cev.eu](https://webmedia.cev.eu/media/slmjk2cz/match-calendars-ev26m.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Both results give the tournament favourite and one of the group contenders a positive start as the teams prepare for the remaining fixtures in Pool B at Arena 8888. ([www-old.cev.eu](https://www-old.cev.eu/Competition-Area/MatchPage.aspx?mID=84811))
Photo: CEV.eu
