This is how Poles treat the match against Ukraine. Nikola Grbic has no doubts

In the case of the Ukrainians, the situation is surprising because they have already played against the world runners-up (2025), Bulgarians. Although the games of the group, which also includes Poles, take place in Sofia. However, the Bulgarians could not bear the responsibility in the clash with the Ukrainians, the hosts lost 1:3.

Poland – Ukraine. Nikola Grbic before an important match for the Poles

This is a warning signal for Poles. Bulgaria seemed to be the most dangerous group opponent for the Poles. However, if Ukraine defeated the hosts, the meeting with this rival must be viewed in completely different categories.

Coach Nikola Grbic is very aware of the sporting potential and strength of the Ukrainian team. The Serb referred to, among others: until the last match between Poland and Ukraine, which took place in the quarterfinals of the final tournament of the Nations League. Poland ultimately won in four sets in Ningbo, China.

– I expect Ukraine to play at the same level as against Bulgaria. Against Poland, everyone will play their best matches and take maximum risks. We can’t wait to play matches like this. We need to have an opponent on the other side of the net who will force us to play our best volleyball (…) We remember this match well, in which the rivals were close all the time. They play even better now. They had more time for training, so I expect a very difficult match – admitted the Polish coach in front of Polsat Sport cameras.

And speaking of coaches, the Ukrainian coach is Raul Lozano. An Argentinian who previously worked with the Polish national team (2005-08). Lozano won a memorable runner-up title in the world with Poland (2006), which marked the beginning of a completely new era in the history of Polish volleyball.

ME 2026: The Polish national team defends the title. Where and when to watch Polish matches?

It is worth recalling that Poland has won gold in the European Men’s Volleyball Championship twice in its history. Interestingly, in both cases we are talking about successes achieved in the 21st century. Poles won their first title in 2009. The second one, relatively recently, in the previous edition of the Old Continent championship, i.e. AD 2023 – in the final, defeating the Italians in three sets.

When will Polish volleyball players play the next matches of the European Championship 2026?

• Tuesday (15/09), 6:00 p.m., Poland – Ukraine

• Wednesday (16/09), 6:00 p.m., Bulgaria – Poland

The four best teams from each group at the tournament will advance to the 1/8 finals.

Matches of the Men’s European Volleyball Championship are shown on Polsat open air (Poland’s match) and Polsat Sport. On the Internet, you can use the Polsat Box Go platform.