Sweden Eliminated by Italy in EM Volleyball Quarterfinals Despite Record-Breaking Haak Performance

In a fiercely contested 2026 Women's European Volleyball Championship quarterfinal held in Brno, Czech Republic, Sweden was eliminated after a 1-3 defeat to reigning world champions Italy. Sweden began the match strongly, securing the first set 25-21, an accomplishment sports commentator Chris Härenstam described as deserving of a 'bragdstämpel' (badge of honor).

However, Italy rallied in the second set, narrowly edging Sweden 26-24 after trailing late at 21-23, thus leveling the match. Italy went on to win the next two tight sets 25-21 and 25-23 to clinch the victory and end Sweden’s championship run. Despite the defeat, Sweden’s resilience against the number one team in the world was notable, especially considering this was only Sweden’s second quarterfinal appearance since 2021.

Central to Sweden’s campaign was star player Isabelle Haak, who made history by scoring a tournament-record 247 points, surpassing the previous record of 229 held by Tijana Boskovic since 2003. Haak also set a record for the most points in a single match of the championship with 52 points against Croatia earlier in the tournament. Reflecting on the exit, Haak acknowledged the team’s effort and support, stating, “Allt bakom mig är så viktigt” (Everything behind me is so important) and admitted the loss “stings like hell.”

This strong showing against a dominant Italian side, which had not lost a set before this match, highlights Sweden’s improving competitiveness on the European volleyball stage. Had Sweden prevailed, they would have earned their first-ever semifinal berth against the winner of Poland vs. Netherlands. Now, Italy advances with momentum, while Sweden’s team and Haak, in particular, have raised their profile significantly through this historic championship performance.