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Türkiye's women's national volleyball team has finished preparing for the Trendyol 2026 European Women's Volleyball Championship. "Their first match will be against Latvia."
Türkiye, Czechia, Azerbaijan, and Sweden are co-hosting the tournament, which runs through Sept. 3. Türkiye enters the competition as the defending European champion.
Before the first match, the national team practiced at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall in Istanbul. The media could watch the first 15 minutes of the session.
The European Championship used to be held every three years, but now it will take place every two years. This change followed the International Volleyball Federation's (FIVB) move of its World Championship to odd-numbered years. The European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) also moved its championship to even-numbered years.
Derya Cebecioglu and Eda Erdem have both recently joined the national squad for the championship.
Head coach Daniele Santarelli said the team faces a demanding schedule in a short period. "If we can go all the way to the final, we will have played nine matches," Santarelli said, adding that the squad is in a difficult group and expects a tough tournament from start to finish.
Santarelli said the team's focus is on its recent form rather than past results. "What matters for us is what we did in the last Nations League and after that," he said, noting that opposing teams have consistently played well against Türkiye.
Santarelli also addressed the addition of Derya Cebecioglu and Eda Erdem to the squad. He described Erdem as the team's captain and said her presence adds energy and depth to the lineup.
He said Cebecioglu, who joined the squad a few days before the tournament, is not yet in her ideal form but is known for her attacking effectiveness.
Santarelli said Cebecioglu is expected to provide rotation options, adding that she is not originally an opposite hitter but has strong jumping ability and is both mentally and physically prepared.
Team captain Eda Erdem said the squad wants to start strong against Latvia. "We want a strong start," Erdem said. She also mentioned that support from the home crowd will be important.
Erdem said the team is excited to play in front of home fans in Istanbul. She also wished all teams an injury-free tournament and hoped everyone would play fairly.
The captain said the team is used to the pressure at this level, so it does not feel like a burden. She added that playing in front of a home crowd gives Türkiye an advantage in the championship.
As the current European and Nations League champion, Erdem said the team knows what it means to defend both titles. She said the squad is confident in its strength and plans to focus on each match to reach the final.
Erdem will be playing in a tournament in Istanbul for the first time and said she is excited for the opening match. She mentioned that her teammates have told her about the atmosphere in Istanbul, and she is looking forward to experiencing it herself.
She also said she has missed playing with the national team and is proud of how her teammates performed over the summer. Erdem hopes the team can maintain that form at the European Championship.
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