Poland retains European men's volleyball title with win over France

Poland's men's national volleyball team confirmed its status as Europe's top side, beating France 3-1 (31:29, 25:19, 20:25, 25:16) in the European Championship final to defend the title it won three years earlier.

A tight opening set

The first set was closely contested throughout, with neither side able to build a lasting lead. The outcome was only settled in an extended finish, where Poland kept its composure to win 31:29.

Poland played with greater confidence in the second set, while France struggled against their opponents' serve and block. This allowed the Poles to steadily build a comfortable lead and win 25:19, putting them one set away from retaining the title.

France fights back before Poland closes it out

The reigning Olympic champions refused to give up, improving their attacking play in the third set to seize the initiative and win it 25:20, cutting Poland's lead in the match to 2-1.

At the start of the fourth set Poland built a four-point advantage, which France quickly narrowed to a single point. Poland then pulled away again, closing out the set convincingly at 25:16 to become European champions for the second consecutive time.

Bartosz Bolaj led Poland's scoring with 16 points, while Wilfredo Leon and Tomasz Fornal each added 13. For France, Matthijs Eno scored 20 points and Theo Faure contributed 18.

This is Poland's third European Championship title overall, following triumphs in 2009 and 2023, and its 12th medal in the competition's history overall — three gold, five silver and four bronze. The victory also secured Poland a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.