The twelve teams were split in three groups and played a semifinal and final to determine the last participants.

[5] In each group, teams played against each other in a double round-robin format, with home and away matches.

If no ranking can be determined, a decision shall be obtained by EHF through drawing of lots.

During the group stage, only criteria 4–5 apply to determine the provisional ranking of teams.

In each group, teams played against each other in a double round-robin format, with home and away matches.