Finland fights to keep top spot as France secures group win, Czechs ahead of Italy

The men's European Volleyball Championship group stage produced decisive results in several pools as teams battled for top positions ahead of the knockout round.

In Group D, reigning Olympic champions France clinched first place with a commanding 3-0 (21, 17, 19) win over Germany. The French team raced to an early lead in the opening set and never looked back, dominating largely through their serving game. François Ecs contributed 12 points, many via aces, while Théo Faure led all scorers with 18 points. France will face either Israel or Portugal in the round of 16, after Portugal defeated North Macedonia in that group's decisive matchup.

In Group C, hosts Finland needed all five sets to see off Belgium in Tampere, winning 3-2 after surrendering the lead in the middle of the match. Despite the tight contest, Finland preserved its advantage over closest challenger Belgium atop the group standings, though the placement is not yet finalized with matches remaining.

In Group B, Poland — winner of this summer's Nations League — appears set to top the group after a comprehensive 3-0 win over Ukraine, led by Bartłomiej Bołądź's 20 points. However, the final standings could still shift depending on Bulgaria's result against Poland.

In Group A, hosted by Italy, the home side dropped the opening set to the Czech Republic but rallied to win the next three convincingly. Despite the match win, Italy remains behind the Czech Republic in the overall group standings based on earlier results. Elsewhere in the group, Greece continued its strong run, following a surprise win over Slovenia with a 3-1 victory over Sweden, paced by Dimitris Mouchlias's 20 points.

Latvia's national team has suffered multiple defeats in the group stage and continues to fight for advancement as remaining matches are played out.