Turkish women’s volleyball leaves its mark on 2026

Türkiye’s women’s national volleyball team won its second consecutive European title in 2026, capping a year of major achievements for the country at both club and international levels.

Türkiye claimed its first European crown in 2023 after defeating Serbia 3-2 in the final in Belgium. Three years later, the national team lifted the trophy again, this time on home soil in Istanbul.

The victory took Türkiye’s overall European Championship medal tally to seven, comprising two golds, two silvers and three bronzes.

The national team also secured a medal for the fifth consecutive edition of the tournament.

Türkiye claims biggest titles of 2026

Turkish women’s volleyball attracted international attention throughout 2026 with victories in several of the sport’s leading competitions.

Two Turkish clubs faced each other in the CEV Champions League final, with VakıfBank ultimately lifting the trophy.

Galatasaray won the CEV Cup, giving Türkiye both of the leading trophies in European club volleyball.

At the national team level, Türkiye won the Volleyball Nations League, the Mediterranean Games and the European Championship. The VNL title was the country’s second in the competition’s history.

Türkiye also secured Europe’s qualification spot for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The country will be represented by two teams at the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship, where VakıfBank and Eczacıbaşı are scheduled to compete from Dec. 8 to 13.

First host champion in 15 years

Türkiye’s European Championship triumph also ended a 15-year wait for a host nation to win the tournament.

Serbia was the last country to lift the trophy on home soil, winning the 2011 championship.

Germany in 2013, the Netherlands in 2015, Azerbaijan in 2017, Türkiye in 2019, Serbia in 2021 and Italy in 2023 all hosted editions without winning the title.

Türkiye therefore became the first host country since Serbia to claim the European crown.

Eda Erdem claims sixth European Championship medal

Türkiye captain Eda Erdem collected the sixth European Championship medal of her career with the 2026 victory.

Erdem won bronze medals in 2011, 2017 and 2021, a silver medal in 2019 and gold medals in 2023 and 2026.

She has been part of the Türkiye squad for six of its seven European Championship medals.

Vargas named MVP for second consecutive tournament

Türkiye international Melissa Vargas was named MVP of the 2026 European Championship.

Vargas also received the award after Türkiye’s 2023 triumph, becoming the tournament’s MVP for the second straight edition.

Her honors from the European Championship, Volleyball Nations League, Turkish league, Turkish Cup and Turkish Super Cup brought her career total of MVP awards to 10.