The 2026 Euro Cup Begins: Balanced Groups Promise Intense Opening Battles

The time has come for the start of the 2026 Euro Cup. All eight matches of the first round of the Group Stage in Europe’s second-tier club competition will take place tomorrow.

None of last season’s eight quarterfinalists will feature this year — all are competing in the Champions League. Meanwhile, five of the eight 2025 Euro Cup finalists return for another campaign: Jug, Šabac, Steaua, Barcelona, and BVSC.

Even so, the overall quality remains impressive. Each group looks well-matched, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive opening phase. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Round of 16, joining the clubs that will drop down from the Champions League group stage.

While most groups appear to have three leading contenders for qualification, Group D stands out as the most unpredictable — there is no clear underdog.

Group A

Two Croatian sides — Jug Dubrovnik and Solaris Šibenik — meet Spanish team Terrassa and German club ASC Duisburg.

Jug, the 2024 Euro Cup champion, has undergone major changes since lifting the trophy, losing several key players but regaining veteran leader Andro Bušlje. Combining seasoned internationals with promising talents, Jug remains the group favourite.

Terrassa, who impressed in qualification, will be eager to test themselves immediately — their opening clash with Jug promises to be one of the round’s highlights. Solaris return after a strong domestic season, while Duisburg, though outsiders, will look to cause problems for the favourites.

Group B

Three genuine contenders headline Group B: Szolnok, Barcelona, and Trieste.

Szolnok — European champions in 2017 and Euro Cup winners in 2021 — have shown mixed early-season form, including a heavy defeat to Terrassa in qualification. Yet, their bronze medal in the Hungarian Cup underlines their potential. They open against Dinamo Bucharest, on paper the weakest side in the group.

Meanwhile, Trieste and Barcelona face off in Italy in what could already shape the qualification battle. Barcelona, winners of the Euro Cup in 1995 and 2004, will try to assert their pedigree early.

Group C

A Greek derby headlines Group C, as Panathinaikos take on Vouliagmeni.

Historically, Vouliagmeni have dominated Greek club water polo behind Olympiacos, but a youthful rebuild has shifted the balance. Panathinaikos, reinforced by Dimitrios Skoumpakis (ex-Novi Beograd) and Aristidis Chalyvopoulos (from Vouliagmeni), look stronger than ever.

BVSC from Budapest, who famously defeated Pro Recco in last year’s Euro Cup, have strengthened further and aim for a deep run this season. Buducnost Podgorica, debutants on the European stage, will look to gain valuable experience after tough domestic outings.

Group D

After reaching the Champions League quarterfinals last season, RN Savona return to a tournament they know well — three-time Euro Cup champions (2005, 2011, 2012) and two-time runners-up. They are the group favourites but face strong opposition.

Spandau 04 continue to show resilience in Europe, while Šabac remain one of Serbia’s most consistent clubs. Steaua Bucharest, although seen as underdogs, have the quality to trouble anyone — Group D could genuinely produce a four-way race for qualification.

Day 1 Fixtures – October 16

Group A

Jug vs Terrassa – 19:00
Solaris vs ASC Duisburg – 19:30

Group B

Dinamo Bucharest vs Szolnok – 19:30 (CET)
Trieste vs Barcelona – 20:00

Group C

Vouliagmeni vs BVSC – 16:00 (CET)
Panathinaikos vs Buducnost – 20:00 (CET)

Group D

Spandau 04 vs Savona – 19:00
Šabac vs Steaua Bucharest – 20:00