There is no stopping in water polo action, as the Qualification Round for the Euro Cup Women starts on Friday.

2025/26 Euro Cup Women
Qualification Round, Day 1
Friday 17 October
(Local times shown)

Group A
(Zagreb, Croatia)

20:45: ZAVK Mladost Zagreb (CRO) v Panionios GSS (GRE)

Group B
(Ede, Netherlands)

20:00: Galatasaray Zena (TUR) v ASD Bogliasco 1951 (ITA)

Group C
(Novi Sad, Serbia)

19:00: III. Keruleti TVE (HUN) v Hapoel Yoqneam (ISR)

In this competition, teams from the top nations may enter, ranked fifth or below in their respective leagues and the leading clubs of the countries which sit a bit lower in the national ranks.

The top ranked team from each of the three qualifying groups – plus the best runners-up – will join the four seeded teams in the Group Stage – and the teams that dropped down from the Champions League. The sides finishing third this weekend will continue in the Conference Cup.

Group A, Zagreb

Zodiac CNAB (ESP), Panionios GSS (GRE), ZAVK Mladost Zagreb (CRO)

A new chapter begins with one of Spain’s leading clubs. While the CNAB’s men’s team is a major force on the European stage, their women’s side are set to take the first steps into international competitions.

It’s going to be an interesting adventure with Olympic champion centre-forward Paula Leiton in their line-up. The coach couldn’t have been any more familiar too: Chus Martin, who returns to CNAB to lead the women’s squad – his tenure at the men’s side saw CNAB’s most successful years including their 2014 Champions League triumph.

It’s not going to be an easy ride in Zagreb, where hosts Mladost are keen to make an upset or two – not to mention Panionios, whose line-up is a fine blend of talented youngsters and seasoned veterans like Margarita Plevritou, who enjoyed tremendous successes with Olympiacos and the Greek national team in recent years.

“We will face teams with a lot of experience and quality,” said Mladost coach Joško Krekovi. “It’s important we give our maximum in every game and show progress in our play. I believe in my players and I’m confident they will give their best to leave a good impression.”

“We’re focused and ready to compete,” added Mladost’s Matea Skelin. “This is a great challenge for us, and we’re really motivated to give everything for the team and enjoy every game. We’ve been working hard, and now it’s time to show it in the pool, we believe in each other and feel prepared.”

Group B, Ede

ASD Bogliasco 1951 (ITA), Galatasaray Zena (TUR), Polar Bears (NED)

Some tough matches are in sight in this group as the lines-up are filled with youngsters in all three sides, with one or two experienced players. The Italians have two, the Dutch have only one player born before 2000 in their respective rosters. Though this is what Euro Cup is about, to ensure fine playing opportunities for the upcoming players who could gain experience in international ties.

Galatasaray, runners-up last season in the Challenger Cup, may have a say in this group, though the other two sides seem to have more chance to go through.

Group C, Novi Sad

III. Keruleti TVE (HUN), VK Vojvodina (SRB), Hapoel Yoqneam (ISR)

The Hungarian side looks like a sure bet in this trio. Still, it’s going to be a telling test to see if Vojvodina and Hapoel, ranked among the top clubs in Serbia and in Israel respectively, are able to challenge a team which is the sixth in line in Hungary.

“We are a young team and very excited to start our second time ever in the European clubs competition,” said Hapoel’s Shunit Strugo. “Hopefully we’re making it a tradition. We’ve worked hard in order to arrive physically prepared and I believe we are.

“We going to face Keruleti TVE who are coming from one of the best leagues in the world, and Vojvodina, the first Serbian team, so we’re here as the underdogs, but hoping to make a surprise.”

“Both the team and the club are really looking forward to the start of the Euro Cup,” said Keruleti TVE’s Anita Keresztes. “I hope we’ll be able to put all the practiced elements into action. Our goal is to finish first in the group, and we’ll
do everything we can to achieve that.”

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Gergely Csurka for European Aquatics