The clubs Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Brighton, Celtic and Hearts have all received the full details of their upcoming fixtures in this season's Europa League and Conference League campaigns. The draws for the group stages of both tournaments were conducted on Friday, setting the calendar for the next several months. Teams competing in the Europa League will face eight matches – four at home and four away – while those in the Conference League will contest six games, also split evenly between home and away venues, with the fixtures running from September 2026 through to January 2027.
Sunderland's qualification marks a historic moment, as the club returns to European competition for the first time in 53 years. Their opening assignment will see them travel to Milan's iconic San Siro stadium to take on AC Milan, a daunting debut on the continental stage.
In contrast, Bournemouth, making their maiden appearance in Europe, will host the same Italian giants at their own ground, offering a unique home‑away symmetry for the two English sides. Celtic's schedule features a home tie against French side Marseille, followed by an away trip to Portugal where they will meet Marco Silva's Benfica. These fixtures form part of Celtic's eight‑match Europa League itinerary, which also includes other opponents yet to be disclosed in this summary.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace – the defending champions of the Conference League – will welcome Spain's Real Sociedad to Selhurst Park and later travel to France to play Lyon, adding a blend of La Liga and Ligue 1 opposition to their campaign. The official matchdays for the group phase are as follows: - Matchday 1: 16 – 17 September 2026 - Matchday 2: 15 October 2026 - Matchday 3: 22 October 2026 - Matchday 4: 5 November 2026 - Matchday 5: 26 November 2026 - Matchday 6: 10 December 2026 - Matchday 7: 21 January 2027 - Matchday 8: 28 January 2027 Following the conclusion of the league phase, the knockout schedule kicks off with play‑offs on 18 and 25 February 2027.
The Round of 16 will be contested on 11 and 18 March 2027, the quarter‑finals on 8 and 15 April 2027, and the semi‑finals on 29 April and 6 May 2027. The grand finale of the Europa League is slated for 26 May 2027 at the Stadion Frankfurt in Germany. For the Conference League, the group‑stage matchdays are set as: - Matchday 1: 15 October 2026 - Matchday 2: 22 October 2026 - Matchday 3: 5 November 2026 - Matchday 4: 26 November 2026 - Matchday 5: 10 December 2026 - Matchday 6: 17 December 2026 The knockout phase mirrors the Europa League timeline, 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 schedules provide clubs with a clear roadmap for balancing domestic responsibilities with the demands of European competition. For fans, the dates offer a chance to plan travel, watch live broadcasts, and engage with the excitement of international club football. The fixtures also highlight the growing diversity of opponents, ranging from traditional powerhouses like AC Milan to emerging sides such as Lyon, ensuring a rich tapestry of playing styles and tactical challenges. Beyond the matches themselves, the announcements come with promotional opportunities for supporters.
Sky Sports, the official broadcaster, encourages viewers to download its app for real‑time updates, statistics, and exclusive content. Additionally, fans can stay connected via Sky Sports' WhatsApp service, receiving instant notifications about line‑ups, scores, and breaking news. In an effort to boost engagement, a special "Super 6" competition is being run, offering participants a chance to win a £1 million prize. Entry to this contest is free, adding an extra layer of excitement for those following the tournaments.
Overall, the confirmed fixtures set the stage for an enthralling season of European football, with historic returns, debut appearances, and defending champions all vying for glory across the continent. Whether you are a seasoned supporter or a newcomer to European club competitions, the upcoming matches promise drama, high‑quality football, and unforgettable moments on the road to the finals.