Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Brighton, Celtic and Hearts have all received the specifics of their upcoming Europa League and Conference League fixtures for the 2026‑27 season. The draws for the group stages of both tournaments were conducted on Friday, setting the calendar for the clubs involved. In the Europa League, each side will contest eight matches – four at home and four away – while the Conference League participants will play six games, also split evenly between their own ground and their opponents'.
These fixtures are slated to take place from September 2026 through to January 2027, after which the knockout phases will commence. For Sunderland, this marks a historic moment: the club will be competing in European football for the first time in more than half a century – a 53‑year gap since their last appearance on the continental stage. Their opening assignment sees them travelling to Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium to face AC Milan, a daunting debut against one of Italy’s most storied clubs. Bournemouth, meanwhile, are also embarking on their maiden European campaign.
Their schedule includes a home fixture against the same Italian giants, giving the south‑coast side a chance to host a world‑class opponent at their own ground. Celtic’s itinerary features a home clash with French side Marseille and an away trip to Portugal where they will meet Marco Silva’s Benfica. These two games form part of Celtic’s eight‑match Europa League programme, which also includes other opponents yet to be disclosed.
Crystal Palace, fresh from winning the Conference League last season, will enjoy a home tie against Spain’s Real Sociedad and later travel to France to take on Lyon. Their participation underscores the club’s rapid ascent in European competition after securing silverware in the secondary tournament.
The schedule for the group phase is laid out as follows: - Matchday 1: 16 / 17 September - Matchday 2: 15 October - Matchday 3: 22 October - Matchday 4: 5 November - Matchday 5: 26 November - Matchday 6: 10 December - Matchday 7: 21 January 2027 - Matchday 8: 28 January 2027 Following the conclusion of the league phase, the competition moves into the knockout rounds. The play‑off stage is scheduled for 18 and 25 February 2027, after which the Round of 16 will be contested on 11 and 18 March 2027. The quarter‑finals are set for 8 and 15 April 2027, while the semi‑finals will be played on 29 April and 6 May 2027. The grand finale of the Europa League will take place on 26 May 2027 at the Stadion Frankfurt in Germany, offering a spectacular stage for the two remaining clubs to vie for the trophy.
In parallel, the Conference League’s own timetable mirrors the Europa League’s structure, albeit with fewer matches. The competition’s group stage will see fixtures on the following dates: - Matchday 1: 15 October - Matchday 2: 22 October - Matchday 3: 5 November - Matchday 4: 26 November - Matchday 5: 10 December - Matchday 6: 17 December The knockout phase for the Conference League follows a similar pattern, with play‑offs on 18 and 25 February 2027, Round of 16 on 11 and 18 March 2027, quarter‑finals on 8 and 15 April 2027, semi‑finals on 29 April and 6 May 2027, and the final scheduled for 2 June 2027 at Besiktas Park in Istanbul, Turkey. These calendars provide a clear roadmap for fans, clubs, and broadcasters alike, outlining when and where each clash will occur. The draws not only determine the opponents but also set the logistical challenges teams will face, from travel distances to climate variations across Europe.
For clubs like Sunderland and Bournemouth, the opportunity to test themselves against elite Italian sides represents a significant step forward in their development and a chance to attract a broader fan base. Beyond the matches themselves, the competitions bring commercial and cultural benefits. Television rights, sponsorship deals, and increased ticket sales all contribute to the financial health of the participating clubs. Moreover, the exposure to different playing styles and tactical approaches enriches the players’ experience, fostering growth that can translate into improved domestic performances.
Supporters can stay up‑to‑date with the latest news, live scores, and exclusive content by downloading the Sky Sports app or following the service on WhatsApp. These platforms offer real‑time alerts, in‑depth analysis, and behind‑the‑scenes access that enhance the viewing experience for football enthusiasts worldwide. Finally, for those looking for a bit of extra excitement, Sky Sports is running a "Super 6" competition where participants can enter for free and compete for a chance to win £1 million.
This promotion adds an additional layer of engagement for fans following the European campaigns, giving them an incentive to stay tuned throughout the season. Overall, the confirmed fixtures set the stage for an enthralling European football season, with historic clubs embarking on new adventures and seasoned sides aiming to add more silverware to their cabinets. The blend of tradition, competition, and opportunity promises memorable moments for players and supporters alike.