Match Preview
These two sides clashed in the EuroVolley 2023 semifinals as well, with Poland taking a 3-1 victory before proceeding to beat Italy 3-0 in the final and claim the gold. Can Slovenia put up a better fight this time?
Slovenia Reaching Another EuroVolley Semifinal
After starting the tournament with victories in straight sets against Slovakia and Sweden, Slovenia surprisingly lost to Greece 3-1 in the third round but responded immediately with a 3-1 win against the Czech Republic.
Slovenia needed at least one point in the final round to secure second position, and they got it against favored Italy, losing a five-set thriller.
The Little Dragons had zero problems in the Round of 16 against neighboring Serbia, winning in straight sets while allowing just 49 points to the opposition, arguably their best performance at the EuroVolley 2026 so far.
Belgium in the quarterfinals was slightly more challenging. Slovenia edged the opening two sets with the same scoreline, 25-22, lost the third, but then crushed the opposition in the fourth 25-13 to make it to their second consecutive EuroVolley semifinals.
Poland Continuing Their Dominant Run
Poland started the EuroVolley 2026 with four clean victories against Portugal, Israel, North Macedonia and Ukraine to secure first place, while rotating heavily in the final group-stage round and losing to Bulgaria 3-2.
The Poles have had zero problems so far in the elimination phase, crushing Latvia in straight sets while allowing just 49 points, while also cruising past Germany in the quarterfinals, where they were slightly more contested in terms of points (57).
This year has been very successful for them already, winning the Volleyball Nations League 2026 by beating USA 3-2 in the grand finals, while they are also the reigning European champions from 2023.