The UEFA Europa League is set to kick off a new season with a revamped format, promising more drama and high-stakes football than ever before. With the qualifying rounds nearing their conclusion and the league phase on the horizon, we're taking a detailed look at everything you need to know about the 2025/26 competition. From the teams already in the draw to the new format's intricacies and all the key dates, here's your comprehensive guide to European club football's second-tier competition.
The League Phase: Who's Already In?
Thirteen teams have already secured their coveted spots in the new 36-team league phase. These are the clubs that earned direct entry through their domestic league and cup performances, avoiding the stressful qualifying rounds.
Here's the full list of teams that will be in the mix from the start:
England: Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest
Italy: Bologna, Roma
Spain: Real Betis, Celta
Germany: VfB Stuttgart, SC Freiburg
France: Lille, Lyon
Netherlands: Go Ahead Eagles
Portugal: Porto
Croatia: GNK Dinamo
It's worth noting that the situation with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest is still pending a final decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, so the final English representatives could change.
The Final Countdown: Play-off Round Matchups
The play-off round is the final hurdle for teams hoping to join those who have already qualified. With the draw recently completed, the teams are now preparing for a crucial two-legged tie to determine their fate.
The following matchups will determine the final teams to join the league phase:
Hamrun Spartans F.C./Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC vs FC Dynamo Kyiv/Pafos FC
KF Shkëndija/Qarabağ FK vs PFC Ludogorets 1945/Ferencvárosi TC
FC Kairat Almaty/ŠK Slovan Bratislava vs BSC Young Boys
Malmö FF/F.C. Copenhagen vs SK Sigma Olomouc
Panathinaikos FC/FC Shakhtar Donetsk vs Samsunspor FC
Aberdeen FC vs Fotbal Club FCSB/FC Drita
KKS Lech Poznań/FK Crvena Zvezda vs KRC Genk
Fredrikstad FK/FC Midtjylland vs FC RFS/KuPS Kuopio
The Road to Istanbul: A New Chapter
The new format isn't the only exciting element of this season's Europa League. The journey will culminate in the final, to be held at the Beşiktaş Park in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. This iconic stadium, a fitting venue for such a prestigious final, has previously hosted the UEFA Super Cup, setting the stage for what is sure to be a memorable night.
The 2025/26 Europa League promises to be a thrilling journey from start to finish. With a new league format, a diverse lineup of clubs, and the ultimate prize of European glory on the line, the stage is set for a season of unfo