European national teams prepare for major international sports competitions

Various national sports teams across the Balkans and Europe are entering critical preparation phases for upcoming international competitions.

Slovenia is preparing for the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, with 168 athletes competing across 29 disciplines. The Slovenian men's basketball team is also in Ljubljana preparing for World Cup qualifiers against France and Hungary, despite the absence of Luka Dončić. Meanwhile, the women's volleyball team is gearing up for the European Championship.

In Croatia, the men's basketball team is training in Opatija for World Cup qualifiers against Latvia and the Netherlands. Coach Tomislav Mijatović aims to maintain high standards with a roster that includes NBA players.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, football coach Sergej Barbarez is finalizing his squad for the Nations League, considering potential changes to the goalkeeper position.

In Serbia, a highly anticipated friendly matchup between Serbia and France is set for Belgrade, featuring a potential showdown between Nikola Jokić and Viktor Wembanyama.

In football, AEK Athens and Levski Sofia played to a 0-0 draw in their Champions League playoff first leg, leaving the tie open for the return match.