The Ukrainian futsal vice-champions, Dnipro's 'Athletic Futsal', have officially learned the full list of opponents in the main round of the Champions League for the 2026/27 season. The composition of the group of four was finalized following the matches of the third qualifying round, reports Sport RBC.UA. For a club founded in 2015, the upcoming tournament will be a true debut on the international stage — previously, 'Athletic' had not participated in any prestigious European cup competitions.
Ukraine Earns Two Spots in the Champions League for the First Time
The 2026/27 season has become historic for Ukrainian futsal: thanks to the redistribution of UEFA quotas, the national association has received two spots in the most prestigious European club tournament for the first time in its history. In addition to the Ekstraklasa champions — Kyiv's HIT — the silver medalists of the domestic championship, 'Athletic Futsal', also qualified for the Champions League. Thus, both of the country's top clubs from the end of the previous season will represent Ukraine on the European stage simultaneously.
Path B Group of Four: Serbia, Czechia, and Austria
Following the draw and the preliminary round, the Ukrainian club was assigned to Path B. 'Athletic Futsal' opponents are Serbia's 'Loznica Grad 2018', Czechia's 'Hradec' and Austria's 'Athletic Club' Graz. The main round matches will take place from October 27 to November 1, 2026. The Path B regulations are particularly tough: unlike Path A, where the top three teams in the group advance to the round of 16, in Path B only the winner of the group of four earns the right to continue in the tournament. This means that the Dnipro club must finish first to reach the playoffs.
The Ukrainian Trace in Czech 'Hradec'
Particular interest among Ukrainian fans is expected to be generated by the match against Czechia's 'Hradec'. Three Ukrainian futsal players represent this club — Mykhailo Hrytsyna, Taras Korolishyn, and Andrii Tkachuk. In the previous Champions League round, these three scored six goals in total, which made their team one of the main contenders to advance to the main round. Now the Ukrainian players will have to face a compatriot club, which adds an extra emotional dimension to the match.
Historical Context and the Club's Ambitions
'Athletic Futsal' from Dnipro, founded in 2015, has grown into one of the leaders of Ukrainian futsal in a relatively short time. The silver medalists of the latest national championship now get a chance to test their level against clubs from countries traditionally strong in this sport. Austrian Graz and Czech 'Hradec' have a solid history of European tournament appearances, and Serbia's 'Loznica Grad 2018' is also an experienced European cup participant. For the Dnipro debutants, every group match will be both a lesson and an opportunity to make their mark at the continental level.
