Sunderland face a glamour trip to AC Milan in their first European season in 52 years, while Bournemouth will host the Italian giants at the Vitality Stadium on their Europa League debut. Crystal Palace face Lyon while Celtic play fellow European champions Benfica in the league phase.
Bournemouth, who finished sixth in the Premier League last season, will welcome Ruben Amorim’s Milan to the south coast and also travel to Real Sociedad. The Cherries also face Viktoria Plzen, Sparta Prague, Sturm Graz, Celta, Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Lillestrom.
Sunderland’s fans are rewarded with a trip to the San Siro as the Black Cats return to European competition for the first time since 1973-74. After finishing seventh in the Premier League last season, Sunderland also play AZ Alkmaar, GNK Dinamo, Anderlecht, Jagiellonia, Lech Poznan, Levski Sofia and Torreense.
Crystal Palace, Conference League winners last season, host Real Sociedad and travel to Lyon, while also playing Sparta Prague, Red Bull Salzburg, Lech Poznan, Jagiellonia, Hoffenheim and Besiktas, in Istanbul.
After their painful defeat in Champions League play-offs, Celtic host Marseille and will travel to Lisbon, the scene of their historic 1967 European Cup victory, to face Benfica. Martin O’Neill’s side also take on Ferencvaros, Union SG, Celta, Omonia, Besiktas and Torreense.
In the Conference League, Brighton play Monaco, Panathinaikos, U Craiova, Getafe, Kauno Zalgiris and Jablonec. Heart of Midlothian will also host Monaco, as well as playing Pafos, Borac, Mohamed Salah’s Trabzonspor in Turkey, FC Nordsjælland and Thun.
Follow along for all the updates from the Europa League draw with our live blog below:
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Uefa Europa League 26/27 league phase draw
- Sunderland and Bournemouth to both play AC Milan in Europa League league phase
- Sunderland: AZ Alkmaar (h), Milan (a), GNK Dinamo (h), Anderlecht (a), Jagiellonia (h), Lech Poznan (a), Levski Sofia (h), Torreense (a)
- Bournemouth: Milan (h), Real Sociedad (a), Viktoria Plzen (h), Sparta Praha (a), Sturm Graz (h), Celta (a), H. Beer-Sheva (h), Lillestrom (a)
- Crystal Palace: Real Sociedad (h), Lyon (a), Sparta Praha (h), Salzburg (a), Lech Poznan (h), Jagiellonia (a), Hoffenheim (h), Besiktas (a)
- Celtic: Marseille (h), Benfica (a), Ferencvaros (h), Union SG (a), Celta (h), Omonia (a), Besiktas (h) and Torreense (a)
- Conference League draw also taken place
- Brighton: Monaco (h), Panathinaikos (a), U. Craiova (h), Getafe (a), Kauno Zalgiris (h), Jablonec (a)
- Hearts: Monaco (h), Pafos (a), Borac (h), Trabzonspor (a), Nordsjaelland (h), Thun (a).
Hurzeler reacts to Conference League chances
13:13 , Mike JonesBrighton manager Fabian Hurzeler addressed whether his team can win the Conference League this season.
He said: "In every cup competition you have chances so of course, in certain moments you need a little bit of luck, a little bit of momentum but overall I think the success from the English teams is also the belief, the confidence to do it so we know it is a different year, a different area so let’s see how it’s going this season."
Dates for Europa League fixtures
13:07 , Mike JonesTeams will now need to wait until Sunday to find out the dates and kick off times of the fixtures they will play.
But, all games in the league phase will be played over these dates:
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
Intriguing fixtures await
12:57 , Mike JonesWe’re still cycling through all the fixtures from both draws.
For Uefa’s standards getting through both of them inside an hour is incredible.
From the Europa League the fixtures that stand out to me are Crystal Palace and Bournemouth taking on Real Sociedad.
Bournemouth hosting AC Milan and Sunderland travelling to the San Siro to face the same opponent.
Celtic coming up against Marseille and Benfica.
Hearts will face...
12:49 , Mike JonesOver to pot 4 now and the fate of Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian.
They’ll face...
Monaco (h), Pafos (a), Borac (h), Trabzonspor (a), Nordsjaelland (h), Thun (a).
A trip to take on Mo Salah and co. is on the cards for the Scottish side.
Brighton will face...
12:46 , Mike JonesOkay, here we go for Brighton and their league phase fixtures.
They will face...
Monaco (h), Panathinaikos (a), U. Craiova (h), Getafe (a), Kauno Zalgiris (h), Jablonec (a)
Conference League draw
12:42 , Mike JonesThere Conference League draw is underway and the teams in Pot 1 (of 6) are learning their opponents first.
We are waiting for Brighton in Pot 2 and Hearts in Pot 4.
Conference League draw just about to start
12:35 , Mike JonesThe Conference League draw is coming quickly on the heels of the Europa League one.
The only British interest here is Brighton & Hove Albion who are in pot 2, and Heart of Midlothian, who are in pot 4.
We’ll update you on who they are drawn against plus we’ll have the results of both draws in full shortly.
Celtic will face...
12:33 , Mike JonesMarseille (h), Benfica (a), Ferencvaros (h), Union SG (a), Celta Vigo (h), Omonia (a), Bestikas (h), Torreense (a)
Sunderland will play...
12:30 , Mike JonesAZ Alkmaar (h), Milan (a), GNK Dinamo (h), Anderlecht (a), Jagiellonia (h), Lech Poznan (a), Levski Sofia (h), Torreense (a)
Bournemouth will play...
12:28 , Mike JonesMilan (h), Real Sociedad (a), Viktoria Plzen (h), Sparta Praha (a), Sturm Graz (h), Celta (a), H. Beer-Sheva (h), Lillestrom (a)
Crystal Palace will face...
12:27 , Mike JonesSkipping ahead to the draws for the Premier League teams, we have the fixtures for Crystal Palace.
The Eagles will face...
Real Sociedad (h), Lyon (a), Sparta Praha (h), Salzburg (a), Lech Poznan (h), Jagiellonia (a), Hoffenheim (h), Besiktas (a)
Lyon will face...
12:25 , Mike JonesLeverkusen (h), Real Sociedad (a), Union Saint-Gilloise (h), Anderlecht (a), Crystal Palace (h), Jagiellonia (a), Lillestrøm (h), Hoffenheim (a)
AC Milan will face...
12:23 , Mike JonesBenfica (h), Olympiacos (a), Ferencvaros (a), Salzburg (h), Sunderland (h), Bournemouth (a), Ararat-Armenia (h), Levski Sofia (a)
Juventus will face...
12:21 , Mike JonesReal Sociedad (h), AZ Alkmaar (a), Rennes (h), Ferencarvaros (a), Omonia (h), Celta (h), N.E.C (h), H. Beer-Sheva (a)
Benfica will face...
12:19 , Mike JonesAZ Alkmaar (h), Milan (a), Celtic (h), Viktoria Plzen (a), Lech Poznan (h), Omonia (a), Ofi Crete (h), N.E.C (a)
Bayer Leverkusen will face...
12:16 , Mike JonesMarseille (h), Lyon (a), Salzburg (h), GNK Dinamo (a), Celje (h), Lech Poznan( (a), Besiktas (h), Ofi Crete (a)
Europa League draw live
12:15 , Mike JonesWith the explainers out of the way, Rode presses the big button for the computer to sort the draw.
The results will then be revealed by pot.
Here’s a reminder of the teams in pot 1:
Pot 1
Leverkusen (GER)
Benfica (POR)
Juventus (ITA)
Milan (ITA)
Lyon (FRA)
AZ Alkmaar (NED)
Olympiacos (GRE)
Real Sociedad (ESP)
Marseille (FRA)
Europa League draw live
12:11 , Mike JonesGiorgio Marchetti, Uefa’s deputy general secretary - and king of Uefa’s draws - now comes onto the stage to explain how the draw will work.
We’ve explained that previously but in short there are four pots of teams and each team will play two from each pot during the league phase.
Europa League draw live
12:08 , Mike JonesNow it’s time for the special guest.
Former Bayern Munich midfielder and Europa League winner with Eintracht Frankfurt Sebastian Rode is introduced.
He’ll be drawing the balls.
Europa League draw live
12:05 , Mike JonesAn orchestra of musicians open proceedings with an acoustic rendition of the Europa League theme before the presenters take to the stage to introduce the draw.
We start with highlights of last season’s competition in a video montage capped off with Aston Villa winning the trophy.
Europa League draw live
12:00 , Mike JonesOkay, let’s get into the draw.
Coverage is about to start and no doubt there’ll be a bit of preamble before the draw itself begins but we’ll keep you updated throughout.
How to watch along
11:52 , Mike JonesHere’s a reminder of how to watch along with the draw. We will, of course, have all the live updates but should you want to watch on television you can view the broadcast on TNT Sports 1 or stream live on HBO Max in the United Kingdom.
Coverage begins at 12pm with the draw expected to start shortly afterwards (we’re guessing 12.30pm given how yesterday’s Champions League draw went).
Europa League knockout stages
11:45 , Mike JonesOnce the league phase of the Europa League concludes the competition enters the knockout round stages.
Here are the planned dates for each of the subsequent rounds:
Knockout phase play-offs: 18 & 25 February 2027
Round of 16: 11 & 18 March 2027
Quarter-finals: 8 & 15 April 2027
Semi-finals: 29 April & 6 May 2027
Final (Frankfurt): Wednesday 26 May 2027
When is the fixture list confirmed?
11:37 , Mike JonesOnce the draw has been concluded the fixture list will be checked and once all situations have been confirmed the complete fixtures including dates and kick off times will be issued by Uefa no later than Sunday 30 August.
Europa League holders
11:30 , Mike JonesAston Villa triumphed in last season’s Europa League final and won the trophy for the very first time.
They’re playing in the Champions League this season so who will take their place as champions?
Uefa consider opening criminal proceedings against Gianni Infantino over World Cup sell-off plan
11:23 , Miguel Delaney & Jamie BraidwoodUefa is preparing to bring a criminal complaint against Gianni Infantino following the Fifa president’s failed plan to sell off commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
A 56-page document, filed by Uefa’s lawyers in a federal court in the United States and seen by The Independent, declares that Uefa are “preparing to bring criminal claims in Switzerland against Infantino” for “criminal mismanagement” following Fifa’s now scrapped Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
Uefa consider opening criminal proceedings against Gianni Infantino
What other considerations are there?
11:15 , Mike JonesThere are further layers of complexity to contend with - teams can’t play more than two consecutive home or away fixtures; there are security factors to consider around cities with more than one club.
Or as Uefa wordily put it: “In accordance with Paragraph 23.01 (b) of the competition regulations, the UEFA administration decides which matches are played on Tuesday, which on Wednesday and which on Thursday (MD1 only), as well as the kick-off times.
“Furthermore, as per Paragraph 17.02 of the above-mentioned regulations a club, in principle, does not play more than two home or two away matches in a row, and each club plays one home match and one away match in the first two matchdays and the last two matchdays.
“If need be, however, the UEFA administration may derogate from these rules.”
How does the Europa League draw work?
11:07 , Mike JonesThe draw will determine the opponents for each team in the league phase of the competition.
36 teams have been divided into four pots based on their Uefa coefficient rankings.
Each team is drawn against two opponents from each of the four pots and plays one opponent from each pot at home, and the other away.
Teams from the same association can not be drawn against each other and each team may play against a maximum of two opponents from any other one association.
How does the Europa League league phase work?
11:00 , Mike JonesSince the start of the 2024/25 season, the first part of a Europa League season contain a single 36-team league phase.
In the Europa League league phase, each side faces eight different teams (four at home, four away).
The top eight overall advance directly to the round of 16; sides finishing from ninth to 24th will contest the knockout phase play-offs, with the victors going through to the last 16.
Teams that finish 25th or lower are knocked out of the competition.
When is the Europa League final?
10:52 , Mike JonesThe 2026/27 Europa League final will be staged at Stadion Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany, on 26 May 2027.
Originally opened in 1925, the arena has been upgraded several times, and recently hosted five games at Euro 2024, along with matches at the 2005 Fifa Confederations Cup and 2006 World Cup.
Which teams will complete the road to Frankfurt and face off in the final come May?
O'Neill on Champions League play-off disappointment
10:45 , Mike JonesMartin O’Neill admitted the defeat ranked as one of his most painful nights as Celtic manager.
“I would say absolutely, yes,” he said. “I’d put it down before the disappointment of losing the Uefa Cup final in 2003, but it’s so, so disappointing.
“We should have been out of sight by half-time. We scored a goal, which was great, we missed two great, great opportunities. And then we give them a lifeline just before half-time and then one just after it. And they come roaring back.
“And obviously we conceded, from our viewpoint, not good goals at all. But that’s my team and that’s my responsibility.
“I’m disappointed that we’ve conceded the goals in the manner which we did.”
McGregor has 'no excuses' for Celtic collapse
10:37 , Mike JonesCeltic captain Callum McGregor accepted there were no excuses for the players after their incredible Champions League play-off collapse.
“We got what we deserved,” McGregor told Amazon Prime. “I thought we were so passive. All night. We actually looked scared to go and win the game, and when you are 3-0 up it’s psychological.
“To be honest I didn’t think we were that good in the first leg either. We scored at good times and kind of got away with it. You go 3-0 and you think you’ve got a real chance but when you play like that you can’t have any excuse whatsoever.”
Celtic let four-goal lead slip to crash out of Champions League
10:30 , Mike JonesCeltic threw away a four-goal lead in Austria as they missed out on the Champions League for the second year running.
The Scottish champions looked to be cruising into the league stage when Callum McGregor put them 4-0 up on aggregate against LASK with a 21st-minute deflected strike.
Celtic let four-goal lead slip to crash out of Champions League in stunning collapse
Europa League match schedule
10:23 , Mike JonesMatchday 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
Confirmed Europa League teams and pots
10:15 , Mike JonesThe draw splits the teams into four different pots and then makes the league phase fixtures through a combination of selecting names from each pot.
All will be explained further shortly but for now, here’s how the teams have been placed:
Pot 1
Leverkusen (GER)
Benfica (POR)
Juventus (ITA)
Milan (ITA)
Lyon (FRA)
AZ Alkmaar (NED)
Olympiacos (GRE)
Real Sociedad (ESP)
Marseille (FRA)
Pot 2
Ferencvaros (HUN)
Viktoria Plzen (CZE)
Union SG (BEL)
GNK Dinamo (CRO)
Salzburg (AUT)
Celtic (SCO)
Sparta Praha (CZE)
Rennes (FRA)
Anderlecht (BEL)
Pot 3
Sturm Graz (AUT)
Lech Poznan (POL)
Crystal Palace (ENG)
Bournemouth (ENG)
Sunderland (ENG)
Celje (SVN)
Jagiellonia (POL)
Omonia (CYP)
Celta (ESP)
Pot 4
Hoffenheim (GER)
Besiktas (TUR)
Torreense (POR)
H. Beer-Sheva (ISR)
N.E.C. (NED)
OFI Crete (GRE)
Lillestrøm (NOR)
Levski Sofia (BUL)
Ararat-Armenia (ARM)
*British teams in bold.
When is the Europa League draw?
10:07 , Mike JonesThe draw will begin from 12pm BST on Friday 28 August.
If the Champions League is anything to go by, the first ball could be drawn at around 12:30pm.
The draw will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max in the United Kingdom, the joint host broadcasters in the UK of the Champions League alongside Prime Video.
As with the past couple of seasons, the draw will arrange the eight matches each team contests in the 36-team first phase – facing two teams from pots one, two, three and four.
Half of the matches will be at home, the other half away.
Europa League draw
10:00 , Mike JonesBournemouth, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Celtic take their place in the Europa League draw – which will be revealed later this afternoon.
Bournemouth have qualified for Europe for the first time in their history while Sunderland are back in a continental competition for the first time since 1974.
Crystal Palace will be bidding for more European glory after their victory in the Conference League last season, meaning there will be three Premier League sides involved.
Celtic, meanwhile, dropped into the Europa League after their embarrassing collapse against LASK in the Champions League play-off second leg on Tuesday night.
Juventus, AC Milan, Benfica, Bayer Leverkusen, Marseille, Lyon and Real Sociedad are the top European sides who the British teams could be drawn with in today’s draw.
Good morning!
09:36 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s Europa League draw.
The draw takes place at 12.00pm and will determine the fixture list for the league phase of the competition.
Premier League clubs, Bournemouth, Sunderland and Crystal Palace will all discover who they face in the first phase of the competition as they seek to emulate Aston Villa and win the tournament this year.
We’ll have all the important information you’ll need to know ahead of the draw and live updates from the draw itself so stick around.
