The Europa League returns for its 55th season and its second under the new “Swiss-style” format, promising another year of tense matches, high stakes, and unexpected moments. With the qualifying rounds concluding at the end of August, we now know which teams will be taking part in the 2025/2026 Europa League campaign. Join us as we examine the clashes to come.

The league phase will kick off on September 24th and will run through to January 29th. For a reminder on how this works, 36 teams are placed into a single league rather than separate groups. They will then be given the opportunity to prove themselves through eight matches against different teams, with four being played at home and four away. The top eight teams will directly progress to the Round of 16 whilst the next 16 teams will be given the chance to earn their place through play-offs. After this, the knockout stage will progress in the traditional manner. The tournament will reach its climax with the Europa League final on May 20th. It is set to take place at Besiktas Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey.

Out of the 144 unique fixtures, there are several encounters and storylines that have caught our attention following the draw. These include:

Aston Villa vs Fenerbahçe
On Matchday 7, Villa will host Fenerbahçe in a game promising plenty of energy and memorable moments. With Aston Villa’s resurgence in the football world and Fenerbahçe’s reputation in European football, any outcome is possible.

Roma vs Scotland
Over their league phase campaign, Roma will be travelling to Scotland to face the nation's top two sides, Rangers (6th November) and Celtic (11th December). Both host teams are renowned for their passionate fan bases and atmosphere, making these tough away fixtures for the Italian side.

Debut Appearances
Clubs like Go Ahead Eagles and Nottingham Forest will be making their long-awaited return to the Europa League and their first appearances under its new format. Fans will be looking forward to seeing how these newly emerging underdogs perform.

Fixture Balances
Whilst the draws are conducted randomly, it can be argued that some teams have been given significantly more challenging fixtures. Maccabi Tel Aviv and FC Utrecht have been given on average the most difficult opponents in the entire draw. Will the Israeli and Dutch sides defy the odds and come out victorious, or will they finish in the bottom half?

With this edition of the Europa League promising more matchday drama and thrilling action, every match will matter in determining the final 16 who make it to the knockouts. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness a crucial part of European football history live. Purchase your 2025/2026 Europa League tickets with TicketKosta through our secure online booking system today!