The UEFA Europa League returns this season with 36 clubs from across the continent competing for Europe's second-biggest cup competition. This tournament offers a chance for teams to qualify for the Champions League.
Of the 36 teams, 13 have already secured spots in the league phase. The remaining 13 spots will be decided through various qualifying rounds.
The qualifying phase will determine which 12 teams join the league phase. Seven teams will drop down into the Europa League after losing in the Champions League play-offs. Four teams will come from the Champions League's earlier qualifying rounds.
The qualifying rounds are scheduled as follows:
First qualifying round: July 9th and 16th, 2026
Second qualifying round: July 23rd and 30th, 2026
Third qualifying round: August 6th and 13th, 2026
Play-offs: August 20th and 27th, 2026
The league phase matchdays are:
Matchday 1: September 16th-17th, 2026
Matchday 2: October 15th, 2026
Matchday 3: October 22nd, 2026
Matchday 4: November 5th, 2026
Matchday 5: November 26th, 2026
Matchday 6: December 10th, 2026
Matchday 7: January 21st, 2027
Matchday 8: January 28th, 2027
The knockout rounds will be played as follows:
Knockout play-offs: February 18th and 25th, 2027
Round of 16: March 11th and 18th, 2027
Quarter-finals: April 8th and 15th, 2027
Semi-finals: April 29th and May 6th, 2027
Final: May 26th, 2027
The following teams have already qualified for the Europa League proper:
AZ (NED); Bournemouth (ENG); Celta Vigo (ESP); Crystal Palace (ENG); Hoffenheim (GER); Juventus (ITA); Bayer Leverkusen (GER); Marseille (FRA); AC Milan (ITA); Real Sociedad (ESP); Rennes (FRA); Sunderland (ENG); Torreense (POR)
