2025/26 UEFA Conference League Fixture Calendar: Full Guide to Draws, Fixtures & the Road to Leipzig

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The UEFA Conference League might be Europe’s third-tier competition, but it’s packed with surprises, underdog stories, and high drama. With the new format in play, the 2025/26 season promises fresh rivalries, unforgettable nights, and a thrilling final in Leipzig. Here’s everything you need to know about the journey from qualifiers to the trophy lift.

Key Draw Dates​

• First qualifying round draw: 17 June 2025
• Second qualifying round draw: 18 June 2025
• Third qualifying round draw: 21 July 2025
• Play-off round draw: 4 August 2025
• League phase draw: Friday 29 August 2025
• Knockout play-off draw: Early 2026 (date TBC)
• Round of 16 draw: Friday 27 February 2026

Qualifying Rounds​

For many clubs, the Conference League dream begins in summer. Four intense rounds decide who makes it to the league phase:

• 1st Qualifying Round: 10 & 17 July 2025
• 2nd Qualifying Round: 24 & 31 July 2025
• 3rd Qualifying Round: 7 & 14 August 2025
• Play-off Round: 21 & 28 August 2025

Expect surprises here — this is where smaller clubs often punch above their weight.

League Phase: 36 Teams, Swiss-Style​

The traditional group stage is gone. In its place is a 36-team league table, with every team playing six different opponents (three home, three away).

Matchday Calendar:​

• MD1: 2 October 2025
• MD2: 23 October 2025
• MD3: 6 November 2025
• MD4: 27 November 2025
• MD5: 11 December 2025
• MD6: 18 December 2025

How it works:​

• Top 8 → straight to the Round of 16
• 9th–24th → battle in the knockout play-offs
• 25th–36th → eliminated

Every point matters, and the final league matchday in December will decide everything.

Knockout Rounds​

The new year brings knockout football, where underdogs dream and giants stumble.

• Knockout 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

Two-legged ties, European nights, and plenty of shocks are guaranteed.

The Grand Finale in Leipzig​

• Date: Wednesday 27 May 2026
• Venue: Red Bull Arena (RB Arena), Leipzig, Germany

The Conference League final heads to one of Germany’s most modern and atmospheric stadiums. The winners won’t just claim the trophy — they’ll also book a place in the 2026/27 Europa League league phase.

Why Watch the Conference League?​

• Swiss system = more variety in opponents.
• 36 teams = more clubs across Europe get their moment.
• Perfect stage for dark horses and surprise runs.
• A grand final in Leipzig, one of Europe’s most electric football cities.

Final Thoughts​

The 2025/26 UEFA Conference League might not grab headlines like the Champions League, but it’s a tournament built on stories of ambition, pride, and unpredictability. From the first qualifiers in July to the final in May, fans can expect drama, passion, and new names making history.

So! who’s your pick for a fairytale run this season? Drop your predictions below