Here is the 2026-27 Europa League Schedule and Key Dates

What is the schedule for the 2026-27 Europa League? When are the draws, the rounds, and the final? When and where is the 2027 Europa League Final?

The 2026-27 Europa League runs from July 2026 through the final on May 26, 2027 in Frankfurt (above). Here’s the complete schedule of draws, rounds, and key dates.

(Above image of Deutsche Bank Stadium in Frankfurt Davicilio20, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Some other UEFA schedule posts:

• The 2026-27 Champions League schedule.
• The 2026-27 Conference League schedule.
• The 2025-26 Europa League schedule

2026–27 Europa League schedule at a glance

For details on the exact dates of each round, see below.

• • July 9 to August 13: Qualifying Rounds
  • August 20 and 27: Playoffs
  • August 28: League Stage Draw
  • September 16 to January 28: League Stage
  • January 29: Knockout playoffs draw
  • February 18 and 25: Knockout playoffs
  • February 26: Knockout draw plus quarterfinal / semifinal draw
  • March 11 and 18: Round of 16
  • April 8 and 15: Quarterfinals
  • April 29 and May 6: Semifinals
  • May 26: Europa League Final in Frankfurt.

Are Europa League Games Always on Thursday Nights?

Most Europa League games are on Thursday evening, but there are two exceptions.

The first round of League Stage games, September 16-17, are actually on Wednesday and Thursday night. And the Europa League Final is on Wednesday, May 26, 2027.

Who Qualifies for the Europa League?

For the top 12 European leagues, two teams from each qualify: the team that finishes 3rd, 4th or 5th in the previous season’s table (depending on the country’s ranking) and the domestic cup winners. In England, the 5th-place team plus the winner of the FA Cup.

When does the 2026–27 Europa League start?

Technically, the 2026-27 Europa League starts with the First Qualifying Round on July 9 and 16. But for most people, it’s the League Stage they care about, and the League Stage starts with the first round of games on September 16-17.

The English teams in the Europa League — the 5th-place finishers and the winners of the FA Cup — enter in the League Stage.

2026–27 Europa League qualifying round dates

First Qualifying Round

• Draw: June 16
• Games: July 9 and July 16

Second Qualifying Round

• Draw: June 17
• Games: July 23 and July 30.

Third Qualifying Round

• Draw: July 20
• Games: August 6 and August 13.

Playoffs

• Draw: August 3
• Games: August 20 and 27

Europa League League Phase: Draw and Round Dates

This is where most people start paying attention. The League Phase consists of 36 teams — 12 from the qualifying rounds, 11 who dropped down from the Champions League qualifying, 12 Cup winners and the winners of the previous Conference League.

League Phase Draw Date: August 28, 2026.

The League Phase Game Rounds are all Thursday evenings.

• September 16-17 (Wednesday-Thursday)
• October 15
• October 22
• November 5
• November 26
• December 10
• January 21
• January 28, with everyone playing at the same time.

Europa League Knockout Round Dates

Teams finishing 1-8 in the league table get a bye to the Round of 16.

Knockout Playoffs

The knockout playoffs are for the teams who finish nos. 9-24 in the League Phase. Teams finishing 9-16 will host the second leg.

Knockout playoff draw: January 29.

Knockout playoff dates:

• February 18 and 25

Europa League Round of 16 Dates

The Draw for the Round of 16, Quarterfinals and Semifinals will be held February 26, 2027.

Teams that finished 1-8 in the League Stage will host the second legs in the Round of 16.

The Round of 16 dates:

• March 11 and 18

Europa League Quarterfinal Dates

• April 8 and 15

Europa League Semifinal Dates

• April 29 and May 6

When and Where is the Europa League Final?

The 2027 Europa League Final will be May 26, 2027, Frankfurt. That’s it at the top of this post.

How to Buy Europa League Tickets

We at Groundhopper Guides are registered sales agents for many clubs which are regularly in the UEFA competitions.

We have also been to multiple games at all of those stadiums, so we will not just sell you 100% guaranteed, official tickets and hospitality; we will give you all the information you need to make your Europa League game day smooth and fun.

Fill out the form below to inquire about Europa League tickets, and we will be in touch! Just be sure to check your spam folder for our response.