Full Breakdown
English clubs drawn into the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League league phase
8/29/2026, 8:10:39 PM
Draw overview and competition format
The UEFA Europa League league-phase draw was held in Monaco on August 28 2026. Thirty-six clubs were placed into a single league table, each playing eight matches – four at home and four away – against opponents from four seeding pots. This format, introduced in 2024-25, replaces the former group stage and decides which teams go straight to the round of 16 or enter a play-off round.
English clubs and their opponents
| Club | Home opponents | Away opponents |
|---|---|---|
| AFC Bournemouth | AC Milan, Viktoria Plzen, Sturm Graz, Hapoel Be’er Sheva | Real Sociedad, Sparta Prague, Celta Vigo, Lillestrom |
| Sunderland AFC | AZ Alkmaar, Dinamo Zagreb, Anderlecht, Lech Poznan | AC Milan, Anderlecht, Lech Poznan, Torreense |
| Crystal Palace | Real Sociedad, Sparta Prague, Lech Poznan, Hoffenheim | Lyon, Jagiellonia Bialystok, RB Salzburg, Besiktas |
The draw also placed Scottish champion Celtic into the league phase, but the focus here is on the three English sides.
Key fixtures and historic context
- Sunderland’s away trip to the San Siro marks the club’s first European appearance since the 1973-74 Cup Winners’ Cup.
- Bournemouth’s home match against AC Milan is the Cherries’ inaugural European fixture after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season.
- Crystal Palace, 2025-26 UEFA Conference League champions, will host Lyon at Selhurst Park in their first Europa League campaign.
Timeline of the league phase
- 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
The top eight after these rounds progress directly to the round of 16; teams placed ninth to 24th enter a two-legged play-off, with winners joining the top eight. The knockout phase starts on February 18 2027, and the final is set for May 26 2027 in Frankfurt.
Implications for the clubs
- Sunderland must manage a demanding travel schedule that includes Belgium, Poland and Portugal, while the San Siro fixture offers a high-profile showcase.
- Bournemouth faces elite opposition in AC Milan and a varied itinerary across Central and Northern Europe. New manager Marco Rose’s continental experience may aid adaptation.
- Crystal Palace will test its recent European pedigree against clubs such as Lyon, RB Salzburg and Besiktas, aiming to establish itself as a regular Europa League participant.
What’s next
UEFA will release the full fixture calendar and kick-off times by September 17 2026. The clubs will begin preparations for their league-phase matches on September 16-17 2026, with the season’s climax set for the Frankfurt final on May 26 2027.
