The draw in Nyon decided that the potential opponent for the Blues in the battle for a group stage spot would be Viking FK, last season's Norwegian champions.
GNK Dinamo learned the name of their potential opponent in the UEFA Champions League playoff on Monday. If they eliminate Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris in the third qualifying round, the Blues will face Norwegian champions Viking FK for a place in the group stage.
The decision was made in a draw held on August 3, 2026, at 12:00 PM in Nyon. "We have learned our potential opponent in the UEFA Champions League playoff - Norwegian champions Viking FK!" announced the official Twitter profile of the club from Maksimir.
Before they even think about Viking, the Blues must first overcome the Lithuanian hurdle. The first leg of the third qualifying round against Kauno Žalgiris is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, at 8:00 PM at Maksimir. The return leg is a week later, on August 11, at 7:00 PM in Kaunas.
Viking FK won the Norwegian league last season with 70 points, just one point ahead of Bodo/Glimt. If Dinamo advances, the first playoff match will be played on August 17 or 18 at Maksimir, with the return leg a week later.
In anticipation of key European matches, Dinamo also shared news of a new player's debut on Sunday. "The first 90 minutes in the blue jersey for our Stjepan Radeljić," the club announced alongside a photo of Luka Stanzl.
On Saturday, the club called on fans to fill Maksimir with the message: "Warm up your voices, cool your palms - in two days we fight for the Champions League at Maksimir!"
