Tromsø begin their UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign on Thursday evening when Czech side Hradec Králové visit Romssa Arena for the first leg of their second qualifying round tie.

The Norwegian club arrive in outstanding form, sitting third in the Eliteserien after an impressive first half of the domestic season, while Hradec have been handed an unexpected opportunity to compete in Europe following dramatic developments in Czech football. With both clubs sensing a realistic chance of progressing, an important first-leg battle awaits in Northern Norway.

Tromsø carrying domestic momentum into Europe

Few teams across Scandinavia are playing with greater confidence than Tromsø. Jørgen Vik’s side have developed into genuine title contenders in Norway, leading the Eliteserien thanks to a run of performances built on attacking football and growing belief. Saturday’s emphatic 4-1 victory over HamKam maintained their place at the summit and extended an unbeaten sequence that now stands at five matches.

Perhaps even more encouraging is the way Tromsø have been finding the net. Twelve goals across their last three league fixtures underline the confidence flowing through the squad, with several different players contributing in attack rather than relying on a single goalscorer.

That attacking variety has been complemented by a formidable home record. Tromsø have lost only once at Romssa Arena throughout 2026 and have made life difficult for every visiting side, combining high pressing with quick transitions that often overwhelm opponents.

Heine Åsen Larsen remains one of the hosts’ key attacking threats and is expected to lead the line alongside Troy Nyhammer, with Viktor Ekblom still unavailable through injury. At the other end of the pitch, Casper Øyvann’s absence means Vetle Skjærvik and Tobias Guddal are likely to marshal the defence.

For a club that last reached the Europa League proper more than a decade ago, there is a growing sense that this could be the year they make another significant European impact.

Hradec embracing an unexpected European opportunity

Hradec Králové were not expecting to be involved in Europa League qualifying when the domestic season ended, but circumstances have presented them with an opportunity they are determined to seize.

Following the disqualification of Czech Cup winners Karviná and subsequent changes to UEFA’s allocation process, David Horejš’s side were elevated into the competition after finishing fourth in the Czech First League.

Preparation has therefore centred on ensuring the squad is ready despite the unusual route into Europe. Results have been encouraging, with Hradec remaining unbeaten across four pre-season fixtures, including an impressive victory over Danish side Nordsjælland and an entertaining 3-3 draw against FC Kharkiv.

The Czech visitors are generally well organised and travel with a respectable away record, having lost only twice in their last 10 matches on the road. A back three anchored by Tomáš Petrášek should provide defensive stability, while Marko Regža is expected to spearhead the attack with support from Tom Slončík and Adam Vičanová.

Even so, stepping into a competitive European tie against one of Scandinavia’s form teams represents a significant increase in difficulty compared to their recent friendly schedule.

Verdict: Tromsø’s form should prove decisive

Tromsø could hardly have asked for better preparation ahead of their European return.

The Norwegian leaders are playing with confidence, scoring freely and have made Romssa Arena an extremely difficult place to visit throughout the season. Hradec Králové deserve credit for adapting quickly to an unexpected European opportunity, but competitive sharpness and momentum clearly favour the home side.

The Czech outfit should remain organised and competitive over the two legs, yet Tromsø’s attacking rhythm and home advantage make them strong favourites to establish a valuable lead before next week’s return fixture.

Tip

Tromsø to win.