Slovenia booked their place in the EuroVolley 2026 semifinals with a convincing 3-1 victory over Belgium at PalaVela in Turin on Tuesday. Fabio Soli's side will face Poland in the last four in Milan.
The opening two sets were tightly contested, with both going to Slovenia 25-22. Belgium's task was complicated by the loss of captain Sam Deroo, who picked up an injury at the end of the first set and did not return.
Despite losing their leader, the Belgians rallied to take the third set 25-20, showing the resilience that had characterised their tournament run. However, Slovenia responded emphatically in the fourth, racing through to a 25-13 set win to seal the match.
It marks Slovenia's fourth consecutive EuroVolley semifinal appearance, underlining their status as one of Europe's elite volleyball nations. Soli's squad had navigated a tricky Pool A campaign that included a 3-0 sweep of Serbia in the round of 16 before dispatching Belgium.
Poland present a formidable challenge in the semifinal. The Poles topped their group and cruised past Germany 3-0 in the quarterfinals.
Belgium's EuroVolley campaign ends at the quarterfinal stage, though they can take pride in reaching the last eight. The loss of Deroo at a crucial juncture ultimately proved decisive, robbing them of their most experienced attacker at the business end of the competition.
The semifinals take place in Milan on Wednesday, with Slovenia facing Poland and the hosts Italy meeting Finland in the other bracket.
Sources
- https://volleyweek.bg/en/article/27597-Slovenia-is-in-the-semifinals-after-a-31-win-over-Belgium-Derous-injury-changed-the-quarterfinal
- https://www.volleyball.it/2026/09/23/notizie/articolo/daily-volleyball-news-september-23-slovenia-reach-fourth-straight-eurovolley-semi-final.html
