The 2025-26 Europa League and Conference League draws were held today, August 29, 2025, at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. For the first time, both competitions were drawn together in a single combined event.
Clubs from across the continent now know their group-stage opponents, with several exciting clashes and intriguing matchups on the horizon. Fans can expect drama, surprises, and plenty of action as teams battle for progression to the knockout rounds.
2025-26 Europa League Draw Results: Key Matchups Revealed
Table of Contents
Premier League Teams’ Fixtures
Aston Villa will face a challenging path with opponents including:
- Home: Salzburg, Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Young Boys, Bologna
- Away: Feyenoord, Fenerbahçe, Basel, Go Ahead Eagles
Nottingham Forest drew:
- Home: Porto, Ferencváros, Midtjylland, Malmö
- Away: Real Betis, Braga, Sturm Graz, Utrecht
Scottish Giants Face Tough Tests
Rangers received one of the more difficult draws:
- Home: Roma, Braga, Ludogorets, Genk
- Away: Porto, Ferencváros, Sturm Graz, Brann
Celtic will play:
- Home: Roma, Braga, Sturm Graz, Utrecht
- Away: Feyenoord, Crvena Zvezda, Midtjylland, Bologna
Conference League Draw: Crystal Palace Makes History
Palace’s European Debut
Crystal Palace made history by reaching their first-ever European competition. After beating Fredrikstad 1-0 on aggregate, the Eagles will face:
- Home: AZ Alkmaar, Kuopio, AEK Larnaca
- Away: Dynamo Kyiv, Strasbourg, Shelbourne
Manager Oliver Glasner celebrated his 51st birthday with this achievement, stating: “It is a huge achievement to go into the group stage. It was our second goal of the season, and we have achieved that by the end of August”.
Fiorentina’s Fourth Consecutive Appearance
Fiorentina qualified for their fourth straight Conference League campaign. The Italian side, which has reached two finals in recent years, will play against teams including Mainz and SK Rapid.
Revolutionary Draw Format
Digital Innovation
This year’s draw utilised fully digital technology, the same system used in the Champions League. The process worked by:
- Drawing all pairings instantly with a single button press
- Revealing results progressively, pot by pot
- Maintaining suspense while ensuring clarity
New League Phase Structure
Europa League Format:
- 36 teams in a single league table
- Each team plays 8 matches (4 home, 4 away)
- The top 8 qualify directly to the Round of 16
Conference League Format:
- 36 teams in a single league table
- Each team plays 6 matches (3 home, 3 away)
- Similar qualification structure
Key Dates for European Competitions
The fixture lists with specific match dates and kick-off times will be announced by Sunday, August 31 at the latest. European football fans can now begin planning for what promises to be an exciting season across both competitions.
Europa League Schedule
- First Matchday: September 24, 2025
- Final Matchday: December 18, 2025
- Final: May 20, 2026 in Istanbul
Conference League Timeline
- First Matchday: October 2, 2025
- Final: May 27, 2026 in Leipzig
Notable Storylines
Record Participation
- 100% ECA Members: All Europa League teams are European Club Association members
- Diverse Geography: Teams from Cyprus, Kosovo, Malta, and Kazakhstan participating.
- Debutants: Crystal Palace, Samsunspor, and several others making first appearances.
Financial Stakes
The competitions represent significant revenue opportunities, with UEFA distributing record prize money across both tournaments.
