Europa Conference League Last-16 Draw: Key Details and Qualified Teams
The draw for the knockout rounds of the Europa Conference League is set to take place this week, determining the path for teams including Crystal Palace as they aim for the final in Leipzig this May. This crucial event follows the completion of the midweek play-off matches, which have finalised the eight teams advancing to join the top eight from the league phase.
When and Where is the Draw?
The Conference League last-16 draw will be held in Nyon at 1pm GMT (2pm local time) on Friday 27 February 2026. Football fans can watch the proceedings live online through Uefa's official website, YouTube channel, and the dedicated Conference League app.
Qualified Teams for the Last-16
The top eight sides from the league phase have already secured their spots in the knockout rounds. These teams are:
- Strasbourg
- Rakow Czestochowa
- AEK Athens
- Sparta Praha
- Rayo Vallecano
- Shakhtar Donetsk
- Mainz
- AEK Larnaca
They are joined by eight teams who progressed through the play-offs, which included clubs finishing between ninth and 24th in the league phase. The play-off results from yesterday's second legs are as follows:
- Zrinksji Mostar 1-3 Crystal Palace
- Sigma Olomouc 3-2 Lausanne FC
- Drita 4-6 NK Celje
- Jagiellonia Bialystok 4-5 Fiorentina
- KF Shkendija 0-4 Samsunspor
- Omonoia 1-4 Rijeka
- Noah 1-4 AZ Alkmaar
- KuPS 0-3 Lech Poznan
Draw Permutations and Format
The draw has been structured with teams grouped into seeded couplets based on their league phase finishes. This means, for example, that Strasbourg (who finished top) or Rakow Czestochowa (second) will face either Rijeka or Fiorentina. Notably, teams from the same national league are permitted to play each other in the knockout rounds.
Here are the specific last-16 draw possibilities:
- Strasbourg and Rakow Czestochowa will be drawn against: Rijeka or Fiorentina.
- AEK Athens and Sparta Praha will be drawn against: AZ Alkmaar or NK Celje.
- Rayo Vallecano and Shakhtar Donetsk will be drawn against: Samsunspor or Lech Poznan.
- Mainz and AEK Larnaca will be drawn against: Crystal Palace or Sigma Olomouc.
Crystal Palace, the sole Premier League representatives who finished 10th in the league phase, are poised to face either German side Mainz or Cypriot club AEK Larnaca in the last-16, depending on the draw outcome.
Match Dates for the Knockout Rounds
The last-16 ties are scheduled for mid-March, with the full calendar for the remaining rounds as follows:
- Round of 16: 11/12 & 18/19 March 2026
- Quarter-finals: 8/9 & 15/16 April 2026
- Semi-finals: 29/30 April & 6/7 May 2026
- Final: 26/27 May 2026 (Leipzig)
As the draw approaches, anticipation builds for clubs and supporters alike, with the road to Leipzig now clearly mapped out for the competing teams in the Europa Conference League.
