Preliminary round shapes First League groups — Shtip UGD secures spot; Borec and Strumica close
Matches played on 18 October 2026 set the tone for First League group qualification — some ties still require return legs.
The preliminary round of the men's First Volleyball League began on 18 October 2026, and the first matches already point to how the composition of the A and B groups may look. Several teams recorded clear victories in opening ties, though second legs will confirm final participants.
Key results and implications
Champion Shtip UGD completed its part of the job by taking both encounters against Janta Volley, effectively securing its position ahead of the next phase. Meanwhile, GOK Borec and Strumica 47&72 won convincing away matches and stand one step away from qualification for the A group.
The weekend's first-round results were as follows:
- Janta Volley – Shtip UGD 0:3 (8:25, 5:25, 5:25)
- Vesna Probishtip – GOK Borec 0:3 (20:25, 14:25, 10:25)
- Makedonija Džio – Strumica 47&72 0:3 (8:25, 10:25, 20:25)
- Skopje – Rabotnichki 1:3 (21:25, 25:20, 22:25, 20:25)
- Liria – Sushevo 2:3 (16:25, 25:19, 23:25, 25:18, 11:15)
- Shkendija – University of Tetovo 0:3 (20:25, 21:25, 23:25)
Teams that achieved straight-set away wins—GOK Borec and Strumica 47&72—have gained a significant advantage ahead of the return fixtures. Other ties, such as the Liria–Sushevo five-set duel and Skopje–Rabotnichki, produced tighter scorelines and remain open until the rematches.
All second-leg matches are scheduled for the coming weekend; only after those results will the final line-up of the First A and First B groups be confirmed.
Photo: OFM\/Vangel Tanurovski
