UEFA Europa League 2026/27: Draw, Groups & Full Season Guide

Europe's second club competition began life as the UEFA Cup in 1971 before merging with the Cup Winners' Cup and being rebranded the Europa League in 2009. Like the Champions League, it now runs on a league-phase format. Here's how the 2026/27 edition works. Unfamiliar with IPTV basics? Start with What Is IPTV?.

The League Phase Format

36 clubs play eight league-phase matches each against different opponents, with all results feeding into a single combined standings table. The top eight advance directly to the round of 16, while 9th through 24th enter a knockout playoff round for the remaining spots.

Who Qualifies

Clubs reach the Europa League through domestic league finishes just below the Champions League qualification places, through domestic cup wins in several countries, or by dropping down from the Champions League after finishing outside the League phase's direct qualifiers.

Knockout Stage and Final

From the round of 16, the competition moves to two-legged knockout ties before a single-match final at a UEFA-selected neutral venue, typically held in May, roughly a week or so before the Champions League final.

FAQ

Is the Europa League the same format as the Champions League? Structurally yes — both moved to a 36-club league phase in 2024/25, though the pool of participating clubs and qualification routes differ.

Can a Champions League club end up in the Europa League? Yes — clubs that finish outside the Champions League's direct qualification places in the league phase can drop into the Europa League knockout playoff round rather than being eliminated from Europe entirely.

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