The 2025/26 European club season officially kicks off in September, with the Champions League qualification round scheduled for 19–21 September. The draws for both the qualifications and group stage were held today in Zagreb, alongside the Euro Cup draw, setting the path for another thrilling year of continental competition.

Champions League Qualification Round (19–21 September)

With a reduced field of participating clubs, the route to the Champions League group stage looks more direct than in previous years. However, the quality across the board means there are no easy routes; every one of the ten qualifying teams is a genuine contender for one of the six available berths.

The top two teams from each of the three groups will advance to the group stage, while the remaining four sides will continue their campaigns in the Euro Cup qualifications.

• Group A (Belgrade): Novi Beograd (SRB), Steaua Bucharest (ROU), Primorac Kotor (MNE), Pays d’Aix (FRA)
• Group B (Sabadell): Sabadell (ESP), Vasas (HUN), Spandau 04 (GER)
• Group C (Zagreb): Brescia (ITA), Vouliagmeni (GRE), Mladost Zagreb (CRO)

The spotlight will be on Belgrade, where 2025 Champions League runner-up Novi Beograd hosts a four-team group. Group C promises a tight battle, with Croatian powerhouse Mladost welcoming Vouliagmeni and Brescia in what appears to be the most balanced pool.

Champions League Group Stage (14/15 October – 10/11 February)

Six qualifiers will join the ten national champions already seeded into the group stage. The potential exists for an early clash between 2025 finalists Ferencváros and Novi Beograd if the Serbian side claims first place on home soil.

• Group A: Olympiacos (GRE), Radnicki (SRB), Winner QR Gr. B, Winner QR Gr. C
• Group B: Pro Recco (ITA), Jadran Split (CRO), Jadran Herceg Novi (MNE), 2nd-placed QR Gr. A
• Group C: Ferencváros (HUN), Oradea (ROU), Winner QR Gr. A, 2nd-placed QR Gr. C
• Group D: Barceloneta (ESP), Marseille (FRA), Waspo 98 Hannover (GER), 2nd-placed QR Gr. B

Defending Euro Cup champion Pro Recco draws a fascinating group, facing both Jadran Split and Jadran Herceg Novi in a Balkan-heavy pool.

Euro Cup Qualification Round (3–5 October)

The Euro Cup features 16 teams, including the four clubs eliminated from Champions League qualification. The top team in each group and the three highest-ranked runners-up will secure a place in the group stage.

• Group A (Athens): 3rd CHL QR Gr. B, Apollon Smyrnis (GRE), ZV De Zaan (NED), Sport Management (GEO)
• Group B (Montpellier): 3rd CHL QR Gr. C, Crvena Zvezda (SRB), Trieste (ITA), Montpellier (FRA)
• Group C (Šibenik): 3rd CHL QR Gr. A, Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO), Solaris (CRO), Rapid Bucharest (ROU)
• Group D (Terrassa): 4th CHL QR Gr. A, Szolnok (HUN), Terrassa (ESP), OSC Potsdam (GER)

The second-placed ranking will be determined by points, goal difference, goals scored, and Club Men Ranking. Teams eliminated in this phase (except those from the Champions League qualifiers) will have the option to enter the newly created Conference Cup.

Euro Cup Group Stage

• Group A: Jug Dubrovnik (CRO), ASC Duisburg (GER), Winner QR Gr. C, Winner QR Gr. D
• Group B: Barcelona (ESP), Dinamo Bucharest (ROU), Winner QR Gr. B, 3rd-best 2nd-placed team
• Group C: BVSC Budapest (HUN), Panathinaikos (GRE), Buducnost (MNE), Best 2nd-placed team
• Group D: Savona (ITA), Sabac (SRB), Winner QR Gr. A, 2nd-best 2nd-placed team

With the paths now drawn, the countdown to September begins as Europe’s top clubs prepare to chase continental glory.

Follow Waterpolo 360 on Facebook, Instagram and X