European Cup (EU) 2026/27

The EHF European Cup is the third-tier men's club handball tournament in Europe, organized by the European Handball Federation (EHF). It sits below the EHF Champions League and the EHF European League, serving as a platform for clubs from across the continent to compete in a pure knockout format. The competition was founded in 1993 as the EHF City Cup, renamed the EHF Challenge Cup in 2000, and adopted its current name, the EHF European Cup, in 2020.

The format for the 2024–25 season was a pure knockout competition starting with Round 1, featuring home-and-away ties throughout, including the final. This structure differs from the EHF European League, which includes a group stage and main round before the knockout phase. Notable recent winners include Füchse Berlin (2022–23) and HBC Nantes (2023–24) in the European League, while the European Cup has seen winners from smaller handball nations like Romania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria.

The most successful club is CS UCM Reşiţa (Romania) with three titles (2007, 2008, 2009). Other multiple winners include TuS Nettelstedt-Lübbecke (2), Skjern Handball (2), and Sporting CP (2). The current title holder (2024–25) is RK Alkaloid (North Macedonia), who defeated HC Byala (Bulgaria) in the final. The 2023–24 winner was HC Byala. The first winner was TUSEM Essen (1993–94).

Clubs participating in the 2026 season include Haje Women, RK Trogir, HC Dukla Praha, RK Vogošća, RK Drama, and Tatran Presov. These teams represent a mix of established clubs and emerging forces in European handball, competing for a place in the higher tiers of the sport.