The shifting landscape of European volleyball's premier continental tournament
In short: The 2028 Men's European Volleyball Championship is reinventing its structure. As Montenegro prepares to lead a multi-nation hosting effort, the tournament is abandoning traditional qualifying tournaments. Instead, teams will earn their spots through rankings and league performance, all while competing for a chance to reach the 2029 World Cup in Qatar.
The 35th edition of the tournament, known as EuroVolley Men 2028, represents a continuation of the multi-country hosting model first introduced in 2019. Montenegro has already been confirmed as the first host, officially receiving hosting rights on 6 March 2026. The tournament will be held in Montenegro alongside three other nations that are yet to be determined. This structure will mark the fifth consecutive time the championship has utilized a four-country hosting system.
The path to the 2028 tournament features a historic change in qualification mechanics. No specific qualifying tournament is scheduled, marking a departure from the 1971 format. Instead, slots will be distributed through various pathways. The four co-hosts and the defending champions—Poland, who won consecutive titles in 2023 and 2026—will progress automatically. Additionally, the semifinals of the 2026 and 2027 Men's European Volleyball League will serve as a qualification route.
The 11 leftover spots depend on European national team rankings following the 2027 FIVB Nations League and 2027 European League. While the full host list is incomplete, the Morača Sports Center in Podgorica has been revealed as a venue for the group phase. For several interested nations, including Montenegro, Croatia, Hungary, and Latvia, a selection would represent their first time organizing the event.
The stakes extend beyond the European continent. Securing a top-three position in the 2028 tournament guarantees entry into Qatar's 2029 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Cup.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2028 Men's European Volleyball Championship
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