Ambitious Portugal Kicks Off U22 European Championship Against Poland

The Portuguese U22 Men's National Team kicks off its European Championship campaign this Monday against Poland, dreaming of a deep run. Playing on home soil, the team approaches the competition with ambition, despite acknowledging the high caliber of the continent's eight best teams who will converge on Albufeira, the European City of Sport 2026, for the third edition of the EuroVolleyU22M, running from June 29th to July 4th.

Preparation for the tournament included a series of three friendly matches against Spain in Vila Nova de Cerveira, aimed at refining strategy and consolidating their playing model. Portugal faces Poland this Monday (6 PM), then Israel on Tuesday, also at 6 PM, and concludes the group stage on Wednesday against Ukraine (6 PM). In the previous edition, held in 2024 in the Netherlands, the Portuguese team secured a 5th-place finish.

National coach João Franco believes that the home advantage will be crucial. “I think playing at home offers far more benefits,” he affirmed, stressing the need to counter the opponents' competitiveness with Portuguese strengths. “We have to fight with our own weapons, playing a faster game, a well-organized system. But I believe we have every potential to have a good European Championship.”

With the squad now complete, following the integration of players who served the senior national team in the European League, the coach reinforces his confidence in the group. “The message we always convey is one of hard work and development, given that they are young players. But they possess the quality to compete against the teams we will face,” he emphasized.

Manuel Catarino, a player from AA S. Mamede, shares this enthusiasm, viewing the competition as a moment of great significance. “This competition is very important for us; it will be our first European Championship with this squad. We’ll have the opportunity to play in Portugal and benefit from home support, from family and friends. Wearing the national flag on our chest is, without a doubt, an immense source of pride,” he stated.

For the athlete, the recipe for success lies in their attitude on the court. “Above all, playing with joy, because it's a source of pride, a pleasure to represent our national team. And playing relaxed too; I think stress only makes things worse. Most importantly, confidence, joy, and grit.”

The Road to the Medals

Portugal is placed in Group I, where they will face Poland, Israel, and Ukraine. Group II comprises the reigning champions, France, alongside Italy, Bulgaria, and Czechia.

Following a round-robin group stage, only the top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals. The winners will then compete in the final, while the defeated teams will battle for the bronze medal.

France is the current U22 European champion, and this marks the third edition of the European Championship in this category, designed to facilitate the transition of promising young talents to the senior level.