Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Brighton, Celtic and Hearts have all received their full itineraries for this season's Europa League and Conference League campaigns. The group-stage draws for both tournaments were conducted on Friday, setting the calendar for the clubs involved. Teams competing in the Europa League will contest eight matches each – four at home and four away – while those in the Conference League will play six fixtures, also split evenly between home and away venues, spanning from September 2026 through January 2027.
For Sunderland, this marks a historic moment: the club has qualified for European competition for the first time in 53 years. Their opening fixture will see them travel to the iconic San Siro stadium to take on AC Milan, a club steeped in continental pedigree.
In a parallel debut, Bournemouth, making their inaugural appearance on the European stage, will also host AC Milan at their own ground, providing a thrilling introduction to continental football for their supporters. Celtic's schedule features a home clash against French side Marseille, followed by an away trip to Benfica, the Portuguese outfit managed by Marco Silva, as part of their eight-game Europa League programme. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace, who lifted the Conference League trophy last season, will host Spanish LaLiga side Real Sociedad and later travel to France to face Olympique Lyonnais. The detailed match calendar is 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 group phase, the knockout rounds will commence with play‑off legs on 18 February and 25 February 2027.
The Round of 16 is scheduled for 11 March and 18 March 2027, the quarter‑finals for 8 April and 15 April 2027, and the semi‑finals for 29 April and 6 May 2027. The grand finale will be held on 26 May 2027 at the Stadion Frankfurt in Germany.
For the Conference League, the fixture list is slightly shorter, reflecting the six‑match format. The competition will kick off on 15 October 2026 and continue with matchdays on 22 October, 5 November, 26 November, 10 December and a final group match on 17 December 2026. The knockout‑phase schedule mirrors that of the Europa League, with play‑offs on 18 February and 25 February 2027, Round of 16 in March, quarter‑finals in April, semi‑finals at the end of April and early May, and the championship match slated for 2 June 2027 at Besiktas Park in Istanbul, Turkey. These calendars not only outline the sporting commitments but also highlight the logistical and commercial opportunities for each club.
Travel to iconic venues such as the San Siro, the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, and the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon will expose players and fans alike to some of the most storied stadiums in European football. Moreover, the fixtures provide a platform for clubs to showcase their brand on a continental stage, attract new supporters, and generate additional revenue through broadcasting rights, ticket sales, and sponsorship deals. The inclusion of clubs like Sunderland and Bournemouth underscores the growing competitiveness of English football beyond the Premier League, as more teams earn the chance to test themselves against established European sides.
For the Scottish representatives, Celtic and Hearts, the draws present an opportunity to reaffirm their historic presence in continental tournaments and to compete against clubs from the top five European leagues. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest match information, live scores, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content by downloading the Sky Sports app or following Sky Sports on WhatsApp.
These digital platforms will deliver real‑time alerts, in‑depth analysis, and interactive features that enhance the viewing experience for supporters across the globe. In addition to the on‑field action, Sky Sports is promoting a "Super 6" competition, offering participants a chance to win a £1 million prize. Entry to this contest is free, encouraging widespread participation and adding an extra layer of excitement for fans who follow the European campaigns.
Overall, the confirmed fixtures set the stage for an exhilarating season of European football, with historic first‑time appearances, rematches of past rivalries, and a clear pathway from group stages to a climactic final in Frankfurt. Clubs, players, and supporters alike can look forward to a series of high‑stakes encounters that will shape the narrative of continental competition for the 2026‑27 season.