16 men’s U18 teams have started their race to Cologne this week, four have made it to the final tournament of the EHF Youth Club Trophy, including the three medallists of 2025: defending champions GOG from Denmark, finalists Veszprém Handball Academy and third-ranked side Barça. The fourth participants are Füchse Berlin.  

As in 2025, the final tournament will be carried out in and around Cologne, headlined by the final in LANXESS arena on 14 June, right before the 3/4 placement match at the TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 2026. The Youth Club Trophy semi-finals, on 13 June, and the 3/4 placement match, on 14 June, will be played in Dormagen.