The CEV EuroVolley 2026 Women has reached its most anticipated stage: the semifinals, bringing together the four strongest nations on the continent. 
Many expected Italy, Poland, Türkiye, and Serbia to make it to the final four—and they were absolutely right. Two explosive matchups are scheduled in Istanbul at the roaring Sinan Erdem Dome.
Türkiye vs. Serbia
The first blockbuster clash features tournament co-hosts Türkiye taking on Serbia. The 2026 VNL champions will be eager to take down the Serbians while feeding off the massive energy of their home crowd.
The team has displayed impressive firepower throughout the tournament despite a few lapses, most notably a pool play loss to Poland. 
However, the defending champions can rely on the unstoppable Melissa Vargas, alongside team captain Eda Erdem, star middle blocker Zehra Güneş, and the vital contribution of the two outside hitters Hande Baladın and İlkin Aydın.
On the other side of the net, undefeated Serbia has swept through the tournament with flawless form. 
They look incredibly sharp, led by their phenomenal opposite Tijana Bošković, the masterful setting of the magical Maja Ognjenović, and the stunningly dominant young middle blocker Hena Kurtagić anchoring the net defenses. 
This Serbian squad is extremely dangerous and possesses all the assets needed to surprise the Turkish team. 
Italy vs. Poland
The second marquee matchup pits Italy against Poland. For the Azzurre, head coach Julio Velasco will once again deploy his dual-threat system, pairing Paola Egonu and Ekaterina Antropova to secure absolute, unmatched firepower on the wings.
Setter Alessia Orro will once again play a crucial role, delivering world-class sets for Italy's hitters, while the duo of middle blockers Anna Danesi and Sarah Fahr will try to shut down Poland's attacks.

Meanwhile, Poland is ready to play the role of party crashers. Looking to shake up the continental hierarchy and secure a spot in the grand final, they will look heavily to their star opposite, Magdalena Stysiak, to lead the charge. 

They can also count on the precise and composed distribution of their brilliant setter Katarzyna Wenerska, alongside the fierce energy of heavily tattooed star Julia Szczurowska, who brings her high-level Turkish league experience from Beşiktaş to maximize the Polish offensive option.

Photos: European Volleyball