FCSB have started their 2025–26 season at a blistering pace, having qualified for the UEFA Champions League preliminaries by topping both the regular season and championship round standings. They are currently strong favourites to advance to the second qualifying round, holding a 3-1 aggregate lead after their first-leg win against Inter Club d’Escaldes. The second leg takes place in Andorra, with key players Joyskim Dawa and Octavian Popescu set to miss out, while striker Daniel Birligea may return from injury[1].
FCSB recently recorded pre-season friendly victories over Dutch sides Almere City (3-2) and Utrecht (3-1). The club also claimed the Supercupa României on July 5, defeating CFR Cluj 2-1 in front of over 31,000 fans at Steaua Stadium in Bucharest[4].
The club face a punishing early schedule, with 17 competitive matches packed into just 57 days this summer as they balance league, domestic cup, and European commitments[8].
Transfer activity has picked up over the summer, with several ins and outs, though exact details are still emerging. FCSB continue to be active in the market, and club owner Gigi Becali’s candid management style remains in the spotlight, especially following recent public criticism of new player Dennis Politic[2].
The team, managed by Ilias Charalampous, is set for a demanding campaign across the domestic league, Cupa României, and the Champions League, aiming to build on last season’s success and maintain their momentum in both Romanian and European football[4].