The EHF European League has officially commenced its 2026/27 campaign, introducing a competitive group stage format designed to funnel continental clubs toward a high-stakes knockout phase. According to European Handball Federation tournament structures, the opening rounds set the stage for an initial field divided into eight groups of four teams, where clubs battle to secure advancement into the next phase of European competition.
Under the tournament’s progression rules, the top two teams from each of the eight groups qualify directly for the play-off round. These 16 advancing sides are joined by 12 clubs transitioning from the EHF Champions League after finishing third and fourth in their respective groups. This convergence creates a 28-team play-off bracket where 14 winners ultimately advance, joining the two fifth-placed teams from the Champions League Main Round groups to complete the final bracket.
Opening Fixtures in Groups A and B
Group A action opens on 29 September with Nexe facing Saint-Raphaël and Elverum meeting Hammarby, with both matches scheduled for 20:45.
In Group B, matches shift to 30 September at 20:45. Bidasoa Irun hosts FH Hafnarfjörður, while French side Limoges squares off against Marítimo Madeira.
Group C and D Schedule Details
Group C play gets underway on 29 September at 18:45 with Izviđač hosting Chambéry. The group’s opening week concludes on 30 September at 18:45 as Kadetten Schaffhausen welcomes CSM București to the court.
Group D features an earlier window on 29 September, with Sävehof taking on Sesvete at 18:45. Tatran Prešov then plays the Bergischer HC on 30 September at 20:45, completing the first round of fixtures for the bracket.
Groups E, F, G, and H Matchday Timelines
Group E action opens on 29 September at 18:45 with Buzău facing Águas Santas, followed by Flensburg-Handewitt hosting Granollers on 30 September at 18:45. In Group F, Karviná meets TTH Holstebro on 29 September at 18:45, and Benfica hosts Torrelavega later that evening at 20:45.
Group G features Gummersbach against Wybrzeże Gdańsk on 29 September at 18:45, while Eurofarm Pelister plays Logroño La Rioja on 30 September at 20:45.
Tournament Progression and Format Overview
How teams qualify for the EHF European League play-offs
How many teams qualify from the EHF European League group stage?
The top two teams from each of the eight groups qualify directly for the play-off stage.
Who joins the European League teams in the play-offs?
The 16 qualified European League sides are joined by 12 teams finishing third and fourth in the EHF Champions League groups.
How is the final bracket finalized for the knockout rounds?
A total of 28 teams compete in the play-offs. The 14 winning sides are then joined by the two fifth-placed teams from the Champions League Main Round groups to complete the participants.
Worth a look