Türkiye Retains European Women’s Volleyball Crown

Türkiye’s Women’s National Volleyball Team has once again reached the top of European volleyball, defeating Italy 3–2 in the final of the 2026 CEV Women’s European Volleyball Championship to claim a second consecutive European title.

The final at Istanbul’s Sinan Erdem Sports Hall delivered a dramatic five-set battle. Italy took the opening set 25–16 before Türkiye responded by winning the second 25–22. Italy regained control with a 25–12 victory in the third, but Türkiye fought back to take the fourth set 25–21 and force a deciding set.

In the fifth set, Türkiye produced a commanding finish, winning 15–10 to secure the European crown in front of the home crowd.

Türkiye Defends Its European Title

The victory follows Türkiye’s historic triumph at the 2023 European Championship, meaning the national team has now won back-to-back continental titles.

Türkiye delivered an impressive campaign throughout the tournament, winning eight of its nine matches. After progressing from the group stage, the team defeated Azerbaijan, Germany and Serbia in the knockout rounds to reach the final.

The championship match presented one of the toughest possible challenges, with Türkiye facing an Italian side regarded among the strongest teams in international women’s volleyball. Türkiye ultimately prevailed after five sets to retain its place at the summit of European volleyball.

Vargas Shines in the Final

Melissa Vargas was among Türkiye’s standout performers in the championship match, scoring 28 points and playing a decisive role in the victory.

Under head coach Daniele Santarelli, Türkiye has continued to establish itself as one of the leading forces in international women’s volleyball.

European Crown Brings Olympic Qualification

The victory in Istanbul carries significance beyond the European title. Türkiye also secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, becoming the first European women’s volleyball team to guarantee its Olympic berth.

Winning another major trophy on home soil marks a new milestone for Turkish women’s volleyball and further strengthens Türkiye’s position among the elite nations of the sport.

With a second consecutive European championship now secured, Türkiye’s remarkable rise on the international volleyball stage continues.