France lose EuroVolley final as Poland retain title

France’s wait for another European volleyball title continues after the national team fell short against Poland in the EuroVolley final. The defeat denied the Olympic champions a second continental crown, 11 years after their previous success. France still leave the tournament on the podium despite missing several established players, including Earvin Ngapeth, Jean Patry and Barthélémy Chinenyeze.

Poland won 31-29, 25-19, 20-25, 25-16 in a final lasting one hour and 55 minutes. Antoine Brizard led France with 19 points, while Mathis Henno added 20 and Théo Faure scored 18. Mousse Gueye contributed 10 points after entering the team for the third set. Wilfredo Leon was Poland’s leading scorer with 13 points.

France had opportunities to take the opening set but lost it on Poland’s third set point after a net touch was confirmed by the video review. Poland then seized control of the second set, taking six of the first eight points and building a lead of 10. France responded in the third, opening with a 4-0 run and forcing the match into a fourth set, but Poland recovered and finished strongly. The title is Poland’s third European crown and its second in succession. The victory also qualifies Nikola Grbic’s team for the 2028 Olympic tournament in Los Angeles.