FC Thun will face Dinamo Zagreb in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round on July 21, 2026. Neither team has competitive form to assess, as their pre-season preparations are the only indicators of their current state. Dinamo Zagreb arrives in Switzerland with a stronger pedigree, and Thun will need to navigate the challenges of a two-legged tie against a team that has historically excelled in this phase of European qualification. Thun's pre-season has raised concerns about their defense. The Swiss team experienced a mix of results in their summer matches, with recent games revealing weaknesses. They lost 1-2 to Waldhof Mannheim at home and managed only a 1-1 draw against SV Elversberg in their latest friendly. Although they had earlier successes against lower-tier teams like Neuchatel Xamax, FC WIL 1900, and Rapperswil, which featured high scores, these victories did not provide a clear indication of their readiness for top-level European competition. The fact that Thun conceded goals in their last two warm-up matches suggests that their defensive organization needs improvement. Transitioning from domestic friendlies to a Champions League qualifier will be a significant test of their quality and tactical discipline. In contrast, Dinamo Zagreb demonstrated impressive attacking prowess during their pre-season, scoring 16 goals in four wins. Notable performances included a staggering 9-0 victory over Brinje-Grosuplje and a 4-2 triumph against Koper, showcasing their offensive strength. Their latest match ended in a goalless draw with LNZ Cherkasy, but the defensive performance could be crucial in knockout scenarios. Zagreb's experience in European competitions provides them with a psychological advantage heading into this encounter.