Häcken Secure Direct Champions League Spot After Europa Cup Triumph

BK Häcken have been awarded a direct place in the Champions League group stage for the 2026/27 season following their historic Europa Cup triumph over Hammarby.

The Gothenburg-based club initially secured qualification to the third and final qualifying round of next season's Champions League after becoming the first winners of the new Europa Cup tournament. However, circumstances have now elevated their status in the qualification hierarchy.

According to [Expressen](https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/damallsvenskan/efter-titeln-hacken-klart-for-champions-league/), the clubs still in contention for this year's Champions League final on May 23 – Lyon, Barcelona, and Bayern München – have already secured their direct qualification spots through their domestic league campaigns.

This development has automatically moved Häcken up one level in the qualification process, earning them a coveted spot among the 18 teams that will participate in the 2026/27 Champions League season.

The achievement represents a remarkable milestone for Häcken, who defeated Hammarby over two legs to claim the inaugural Europa Cup title. Meanwhile, both Hammarby and Malmö FF will enter qualifying rounds later this summer as they bid for their own Champions League spots.

Häcken's direct qualification eliminates the uncertainty of knockout qualification rounds and guarantees European football's most prestigious competition will feature Swedish representation next season.