Everything You Need to Know!

Discover the New Selection Criteria for the 2026-27 Handball Champions: Everything You Need to Know!

The EHF reveals an innovative system for team selection that promises to revolutionize handball in Europe.

The European Handball Federation (EHF) has taken a significant step towards the future of the most prestigious competition in European handball. The new format of the Championswhich will be implemented from the 2026-27 season, is marked by a new selection methodology that will influence the representation of European clubs in this competition. Detailed analysis and expert reactions indicate how this change could impact both the sporting and commercial spheres.

New Selection Criteria: How Does It Work?

The EHF has stipulated that 24 teams who will compete in the new edition of the Champions League will be selected based on a ranking based on the results of the last three seasons. The 10 countries Those with the best classification will have a guaranteed place, allowing them to request a maximum of two additional places, although only eight in total will be assigned among all applications.

Ukraine on the European Stage: The Teams Outside the Top-10

Apart from the top 10, there is a space reserved for four other teams from nations that are not part of this group. In this sense, they are mentioned as possible candidates for Slovenia, Macedonia, Swiss and Sweden. Furthermore, the EHF has the prerogative to invite clubs that have stood out, such as the champions of the Champions and the EHF European Leaguewho have not obtained a direct place.

“The EHF maintains strong control over the selection of teams, which also covers commercial and organizational aspects, in addition to purely sporting ones.”

The Power of Selection of the EHF: More than Sportsmanship

One of the keys to this new regulation is that the EHF will not only consider sporting performance in national leagues, but also other factors, such as the commercial and media potential of the teams. This can revolutionize the structure of European handball, allowing emerging teams or teams with great media impact to have access to the competition.

The Fixed Teams in the 2026-27 Handball Champions

According to the announced criteria, the following countries will secure permanent representation:

Germany
Spain
France
Denmark
Poland
Hungary
Romania
Portugal
Croatia
Norway

Germany and France could see their representation increased from two to three teams, and nations such as Hungary, Poland and Denmark would maintain their two places, while Spain has the possibility of adding a second team to its participation.

Structure of the New Champions League Format

The EHF had previously announced that the Champions It will go from 16 to 24 teams, which will generate a more dynamic competitive format. The first phase will be structured in six groups of four teamswhere the first two will advance to the next round, while the last two will be eliminated but will be able to access the round of 32 of the EHF European League.

Second Phase: A Greater Challenge for the Teams

In the second phase, two groups of six teams will be formed where the results will be drawn. This means that, in the end, the current 14 group stage matches will remain. Without a doubt, a greater challenge for the teams seeking to reach the Final Fourwhich will continue to be held in the impressive Lanxess Cologne Arena since its inauguration in 2010.

Final Thoughts: The Impact of These Changes

With these decisions, the EHF It seeks not only to increase the competitiveness of European handball, but also to encourage the commercialization and visibility of the sport. The new selection criteria highlight the importance of national leagues and commercial impact, thus giving a strategic shift to the way this prestigious competition is conceived.

This new system promises an exciting Champions in which emerging and more traditional teams will fight for a prominent place. How will these changes affect your favorite clubs? Leave us your opinion in the comments and share this article with your handball-loving friends!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which countries will be permanently represented in the 2026-27 Handball Champions League? Germany, Spain, France, Denmark, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Portugal, Croatia and Norway form the guaranteed top-10.
How will additional teams be selected? The 10 countries in the ranking may request up to two additional places, awarding a total of eight among all applications.
What role will national leagues play in team selection? The EHF will consider sporting results, as well as commercial and media factors.
What will happen if a team is champion but does not obtain a direct place? The EHF reserves the right to invite champions to participate in the competition.
When will the new Champions League format begin? The new format will be implemented in the 2026-27 season.
How many teams will participate in total? There will be a total of 24 teams in the competition.
How will the first phase of the tournament be structured? The first phase will have six groups of four teams each.
How will the teams that advance to the next phase be determined? The top two in each group will continue to advance, while the bottom two will be eliminated.
What will happen to the eliminated teams? The teams that are in last position will advance to the round of 32 of the EHF European League.
What is the venue for the Final Four? The Final Four will be held at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany.