Czechia and Poland will meet in the final of the CEV U22 Volleyball European Championship 2026 after eliminating Israel and defending champions France in semi-finals.
Czechia produced a remarkable recovery against Israel, overturning a two-set deficit to win a five-set thriller. Israel appeared in control after taking the first two sets, including an extraordinary 42-40 second-set victory, but Czechia stayed composed and gradually shifted the momentum.
Vaclav Seidl scored 32 points for Czechia, while captain Matej Pastrnak added 30 in a determined team performance. Czechia won the final three sets as Israel struggled to maintain its early intensity, sealing the tie-break 15-9.
“We were patient and resilient, especially after losing the first two sets,” Czechia coach Michal Nekola said. “Reaching the final was always our goal.”
Poland then delivered a commanding straight-set win over France, ending the reigning champions’ hopes of retaining the title. The opening set was closely contested, but Poland’s blocking and serving pressure proved decisive as the match progressed.
Wojciech Gajek led Poland with 19 points and played a major role at the net, helping his side take control after a narrow 25-23 first-set win. France were unable to recover, with Poland completing the sweep in 75 minutes.
Poland coach Piotr Graban said the result reflected the work his team had put in over recent years.
“Reaching the final after such a difficult group stage is an incredible achievement,” Graban said. “We are proud, but we want to go all the way and fight for gold.”
France and Israel will now meet in the bronze-medal match before Czechia and Poland contest the championship title in Albufeira.
Results
- Israel vs. Czechia: 2-3 (25-21, 42-40, 20-25, 23-25, 9-15)
- France vs. Poland: 0-3 (23-25, 17-25, 18-25)