The road to the 2026 Europa League final in Istanbul just got a lot more interesting. Following the conclusion of a grueling league phase, the draw for the knockout phase play-offs was conducted at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, setting up some mouth-watering encounters that promise high-stakes drama and significant commercial implications for the clubs involved.
Headlining the draw is a fascinating tactical battle between Turkish giants Fenerbahçe and English Premier League side Nottingham Forest. For Fenerbahçe, the dream of reaching the final in their home city of Istanbul remains alive, but they must first bypass a Forest side that has shown resilience on the European stage.
Key Fixtures at a Glance
The play-offs feature a mix of established European powerhouses and rising contenders. Notable ties include:
- Fenerbahçe vs. Nottingham Forest: A clash of cultures and styles that will likely be the most-watched fixture of this round.
- Celtic vs. Stuttgart: The Scottish champions face a stern German test in what promises to be an atmospheric two-legged affair.
- Lille vs. Crvena Zvezda: A tricky trip to Belgrade awaits the French side.
- PAOK vs. Celta: A Mediterranean showdown with a spot in the last 16 on the line.
How the Draw Worked
Unlike previous formats, the 2025/26 season utilized a seeded system based on league phase rankings. Teams finishing between 9th and 16th were paired against those finishing 17th to 24th. This ensures that those who performed better in the initial stage are rewarded with the “second leg at home” advantage.
The winners of these double-header ties will advance to the Round of 16, where they will meet the eight teams who have already secured automatic qualification: Aston Villa, Porto, Roma, Lyon, Real Betis, Freiburg, Braga, and Midtjylland.
What’s at Stake?
Beyond the prestige, the financial rewards for progressing are substantial. For clubs like Nottingham Forest and Fenerbahçe, moving into the Round of 16 unlocks further UEFA distributions, increased matchday revenue, and higher global visibility.
Important Dates for Your Diary
Fans won’t have to wait long for the action. The first legs are scheduled for Thursday, February 19, with the return fixtures taking place just a week later on February 26.
As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on whether the “seeded” favorites can hold their ground or if we are in for a series of “giant-killings” that the Europa League is so famous for.
