Favourites to Win the 2026/27 EHF Champions League

The new EHF Champions League season brings a major format change, with the competition expanding to 24 teams at the start of the group stage. More high-level matches and a different route to the knockout stage should make the battle for the most coveted trophy in European men's handball exceptionally competitive.

Historic clubs such as Barça, SC Magdeburg, Füchse Berlin and Veszprém enter the new season among the leading contenders. However, the new system also creates opportunities for other teams capable of causing upsets.

We examine the group line-up, the current form of the leading squads and their prospects in the title race, based on the AdmiralBet analysis.

Barça (Spain)

The Catalan club are the most successful team in the competition's history, with 12 trophies, including the title secured against Füchse Berlin in the June 2026 final.

Goalkeeper Emil Nielsen, renowned for decisive saves under pressure, backcourt leader Dika Mem and line player Luis Frade form the core of a complete squad equipped to defend the title.

Antonio Ortega's team have an exceptionally strong core, combining tactical stability with extensive Final Four experience.

SC Magdeburg (Germany)

SC Magdeburg remain one of the leading forces in European men's handball, with four Champions League titles. Their ultra-fast tempo and aggressive transitions have consistently troubled opposing defences in recent seasons.

The German side also benefit from a balanced, high-quality squad. Goalkeeper Sergey Hernández provides security in decisive moments, while Gísli Kristjánsson's speed and Ómar Ingi Magnússon's efficiency drive the backcourt.

Their sustained success in the Bundesliga, widely regarded as the strongest domestic league in the world, reinforces the German club's status. For those assessing the sports betting markets, Magdeburg remain a strong contender.

Veszprém HC (Hungary)

Although Veszprém HC have lost four finals and are yet to lift the trophy, the Hungarian club remain a consistent and formidable presence in the latter stages of the Champions League. They continue to rank among the strongest financial and sporting forces in European men's handball.

Their strength comes from a powerful squad in which Nedim Remili and Ludovic Fabregas add considerable experience and attacking quality, while goalkeeper Rodrigo Corrales provides decisive reflex saves under pressure.

Backed by a substantial budget and major signings each summer, the team have one clear objective: winning the first continental title in the club's history. In the current handball betting markets, Veszprém are viewed as leading candidates to reach the Final Four and have the resources required to end their run of final defeats.

Füchse Berlin (Germany)

Füchse Berlin enjoyed a remarkable campaign on the European stage and reached the decisive phase of the previous edition. In recent years, the club from the German capital have established themselves as a major force capable of competing on equal terms with any of Europe's leading teams.

The team's performances revolve around right back Mathias Gidsel, whom many experts regard as the world's best and most effective player. Supported by experienced teammates and a well-structured collective game, the Dane can provide a decisive advantage in the highest-pressure moments.

The German side's steady progress and highly productive attack make them a dangerous contender. With their dynamic offensive game and growing tactical maturity, Füchse Berlin have every chance of making a deep run in the competition.

A Historic Season in European Handball

This season's EHF Champions League marks the beginning of a new era for European men's handball. With the format expanded to 24 teams, the competition offers more direct clashes between the continent's leading clubs and additional opportunities for emerging sides.

Bringing the elite clubs together in a larger competition increases the intensity of every round. The fast pace of the matches and the growing quality of the participating squads should provide compelling action throughout the season.

The race to qualify for the Final Four appears more open than ever. Whether the contenders are established powers or outsiders capable of causing upsets, every point earned in the group stage could prove crucial.

For handball fans, the new format brings greater variety and decisive matches from the opening rounds. The key question is which team can manage the demanding schedule most effectively and prevail in the leading club competition in world handball.