All you need to know about the 55th season of this European club competition.

The 2025/26 season marks the 55th edition of the competition and the 17th since it was renamed from the UEFA Cup to the UEFA Europa League. Following a successful first season, the second under the new format begins on 10 July 2025 and concludes with the final in Istanbul on 20 May 2026.

These dates are subject to potential changes.

When do the 2025/26 Europa League qualifiers take place?

First qualifying round: 10 & 17 July 2025

Second qualifying round: 24 & 31 July 2025

Third qualifying round: 7 & 14 August 2025

Play-offs: 21 & 28 August 2025

When are the 2025/26 Europa League league phase matches scheduled?

Matchday 1: 24 & 25 September 2025

Matchday 2: 2 October 2025

Matchday 3: 23 October 2025

Matchday 4: 6 November 2025

Matchday 5: 27 November 2025

Matchday 6: 11 December 2025

Matchday 7: 22 January 2026

Matchday 8: 29 January 2026

When is the 2025/26 Europa League knockout phase?

Knockout phase play-offs: 19 & 26 February 2026

Round of 16: 12 & 19 March 2026

Quarter-finals: 9 & 16 April 2026

Semi-finals: 30 April & 7 May 2026

Final: 20 May 2026 (Istanbul)

When are the 2025/26 Europa League draws?

First qualifying round: 17 June 2025

Second qualifying round: 18 June 2025

Third qualifying round: 21 July 2025

Play-offs: 4 August 2025

League phase: 29 August 2025

Knockout phase play-offs: 30 January 2026

Round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final, and final: 27 February 2026

Where is the Europa League final in 2026?

The 2025/26 Europa League final will be held at Beşiktaş Park in Istanbul, Türkiye. This stadium previously hosted the 2019 UEFA Super Cup match between UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool and Europa League champions Chelsea, which Liverpool won on penalties.

In addition to the Europa League trophy, the 2025/26 winners will secure a spot in the league phase of the 2026/27 Champions League, provided they have not already qualified through their domestic league.