Belgium sweeps Portugal 3-0 in Women's European Volleyball Championship

Straight-set defeat in Baku

The Portuguese women's national volleyball team recorded its second loss at the 2026 Women's European Volleyball Championship on Sunday, 23 August 2026. Playing in Baku, Azerbaijan, the team suffered a 3-0 defeat against Belgium during matchday two of Group C. The Belgian team took the match in straight sets with scores of 25-16, 25-22, and 25-11. Portugal struggled to maintain consistency across the sets, conceding the opening set by nine points before mounting a closer contest in the second set. Belgium subsequently closed out the third and final set with a fourteen-point advantage to seal the victory.

Tactical assessment and player reactions

Following the match, Portugal head coach Hugo Silva spoke to the official media channels of the Portuguese Volleyball Federation (FPV) about the team's performance. Silva observed that his players started the sets well but conceded ground during decisive phases of the contest against a competitive opponent.

We are playing against a good team, so we knew that difficulties would be present, I think we entered well into the sets, but the decisive moment arrived and we ended up conceding.

Portuguese player Raissa Cassama also gave statements to the federation following the loss. Cassama noted that while she scored points during the contest, the team's overall performance fell short of securing a result, requiring rapid adjustments ahead of their next match.

The result was not what we wanted, but I am happy to be able to contribute with the points I was scoring, but unfortunately it was not enough. Now we have to see what we can correct in such a short time, because tomorrow there is already another challenge.

Historical record in European competition

The defeat against Belgium extends Portugal's winless streak in European Championship tournament history. The Portuguese national team debuted in the final phase of the European Championship in 2019, recording five losses in five matches during that campaign. In the 2026 edition, the squad began Group C play with a 3-1 loss against co-host Azerbaijan before Sunday's straight-set result against Belgium. Across both tournament appearances, Portugal has compiled seven consecutive defeats in European Championship matches.

Group standings and upcoming fixture

Despite opening the tournament with back-to-back losses, Hugo Silva addressed the qualification scenario for the remainder of Group C. The coach pointed out that progression remains determined in the final matches of the group stage while stressing the importance of team growth on the court.

Only in the last two games can things be decided, but regardless of that, we have to dignify our presence here as much as possible, we have to justify why we are here and seek to grow at every moment.

Portugal returns to the court on Monday, 24 August 2026, for matchday three of Group C. The team is scheduled to play against the Netherlands in Baku at 12:30 Lisbon time.