Over the next three days, the race for a place in the 2026 Euro Cup Group Stage begins. Sixteen teams will compete across four qualification tournaments in Athens, Montpellier, Sibenik, and Terrassa, each aiming to secure one of the coveted spots in Europe’s second-tier club competition.
Seven clubs will advance: the winners of each group, plus the three best second-placed teams. With goal difference and goals scored among the key tie-breakers, every quarter and every goal could prove decisive.
Those who fall short will have a second chance in the new Conference Cup, except for the four clubs that already featured in the Champions League qualifications (Steaua, Pays d’Aix, Spandau 04, and Vouliagmeni).
Group A (Athens)
Teams: Spandau 04 (GER), GS Apollon Smyrnis (GRE), ZV De Zaan (NED), Sport Management (GEO)
The hosts, Apollon, have rebuilt with eight new signings and are tipped to challenge Spandau 04 for top spot. The German side came agonisingly close to a Champions League berth, losing narrowly to Vasas and Sabadell. Their meeting with Apollon on Day 1 could be decisive.
ZV De Zaan, semifinalists in last year’s Challenger Cup, continue their European rise, while Georgian champions Sport Management make their continental debut after ending Dinamo Tbilisi’s domestic dominance.
Day 1 (Oct 3): ZV De Zaan vs Sport Management (19:00 CET), Apollon vs Spandau 04 (21:00 CET)
Group B (Montpellier)
Teams: Vouliagmeni (GRE), Crvena Zvezda (SRB), Pallanuoto Trieste (ITA), Montpellier (FRA)
Arguably the most balanced group, with three genuine contenders. Crvena Zvezda, the 2013 European champions, arrive strengthened with experienced returnees, while Trieste remain dangerous despite losing Andrea Mladossich to Pro Recco.
Vouliagmeni endured a tough Champions League campaign in Zagreb but still carry the pedigree to compete. Hosts Montpellier will rely on home advantage to spring an upset.
Day 1 (Oct 3): Crvena Zvezda vs Trieste (18:30 CET), Montpellier vs Vouliagmeni (20:30 CET)
Group C (Šibenik)
Teams: CSA Steaua Bucharest (ROU), WPC Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO), VK Solaris (CRO), CS Rapid Bucharest (ROU)
A fierce Romanian rivalry highlights Group C. Steaua, strengthened over the summer, look stronger than Rapid, but both face stern competition from host club Solaris, whose home pool could give them the edge.
Dinamo Tbilisi have refreshed their roster after several departures and will be eager to prove they remain a force in Europe.
Day 1 (Oct 3): Rapid vs Steaua (18:00 CET), Solaris vs Dinamo (20:00 CET)
Group D (Terrassa)
Teams: Pays d’Aix (FRA), Szolnoki Dozsa (HUN), CN Terrassa (ESP), OSC Potsdam (GER)
Spanish side Terrassa and Hungary’s Szolnok enter as favourites, but Pays d’Aix remain capable of springing a surprise despite a disappointing Champions League run. Potsdam, one of the youngest teams in the competition, will fight to upset the odds.
Day 1 (Oct 3): Terrassa vs OSC Potsdam (19:00 CET), Szolnok vs Pays d’Aix (21:00 CET)
What’s at Stake
The top team from each group qualifies directly. The three best second-placed teams will join them, determined by:
- Points gained
- Goal difference (regular time)
- Total goals scored (regular time)
- Club Men’s Ranking
Euro Cup Group Stage (Confirmed + Qualifiers to Join)
- Group A: Jug Dubrovnik (CRO), ASC Duisburg (GER), Winner QR Group C, Winner QR Group D
- Group B: CN Barcelona (ESP), Dinamo Bucharest (ROU), Winner QR Group B, Best 3rd-ranked 2nd place
- Group C: BVSC Budapest (HUN), Panathinaikos (GRE), Buducnost (MNE), Best 1st-ranked 2nd place
- Group D: RN Savona (ITA), VK Sabac (SRB), Winner QR Group A, Best 2nd-ranked 2nd place
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