The Netherlands, Finland and Israel booked their places in the semifinals of the 2026 Men’s CEV European League on Sunday, joining Denmark in the final four and securing qualification for the 2028 CEV EuroVolley.
The Dutch side completed a perfect League Round campaign, winning all six matches without dropping a set. Their final victory came against Bosnia and Herzegovina, as they cruised to a 25-16, 25-18, 25-19 win in Goražde.
Finland finished second in the standings after a straight-sets victory over Iceland, ending the round with six wins and 18 points. The reigning European Golden League champions conceded just three sets throughout the competition.
Israel completed the semifinal lineup with six victories and 17 points, matching Denmark’s tally but finishing fourth on set ratio. The result continues the team’s upward trajectory under head coach Itamar Stein following its bronze-medal finish in last year’s Golden League.
In the semifinals, Israel will face the Netherlands, while Denmark takes on Finland in a Nordic showdown.
This year’s European League carried added importance as it offered a direct qualification route to EuroVolley 2028 for the first time, raising the stakes throughout a highly competitive League Round.
