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 clubs like Crystal Palace as they aim for the final in Leipzig this May. This crucial event will outline the matchups for the last-16 stage, following the completion of play-off ties that will send eight additional teams through 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 on Friday 27 February 2026, starting at 1pm GMT (2pm local time). Football fans can follow the proceedings live as teams discover their potential opponents for the knockout phase.
How to Watch the Draw Online
Uefa will stream the draw live on its official website, YouTube channel, and the dedicated Conference League app, ensuring supporters can tune in from anywhere to witness the pairings unfold.
Teams Qualified 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 will be joined by eight winners from the play-off matches, which include ties such as Crystal Palace versus Zrinksji Mostar, currently balanced at 1-1 ahead of the second leg at Selhurst Park.
Play-Off Matches and Advancements
Teams finishing between ninth and 24th in the league phase entered the play-offs, with second legs being played this week. Key fixtures include:
- Zrinksji Mostar 1-1 Crystal Palace
- Sigma Olomouc 1-1 Lausanne FC
- Drita 2-3 NK Celje
- Jagiellonia Bialystok 0-3 Fiorentina
- KF Shkendija 0-1 Samsunspor
- Omonoia 0-1 Rijeka
- Noah 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
- KuPS 0-2 Lech Poznan
These matches will determine the final eight participants in the last-16, with teams grouped into seeded couplets based on their league phase standings.
Possible Last-16 Draw Permutations
The draw has been structured into small pools of possible opponents to ensure competitive balance. For instance, Crystal Palace, who finished 10th in the league phase, would face either Mainz or AEK Larnaca if they progress past Zrinksji Mostar. Other key permutations include:
- Strasbourg and Rakow Czestochowa will be drawn against: Omonoia/Rijeka or Fiorentina/Jagiellonia.
- AEK Athens and Sparta Praha will be drawn against: Noah/AZ Alkmaar or FC Drita/NK Celje.
- Rayo Vallecano and Shakhtar Donetsk will be drawn against: KF Shkendija/Samsunspor or KuPS/Lech Poznan.
- Mainz and AEK Larnaca will be drawn against: Zrinksji Mostar/Crystal Palace or Sigma Olomouc/Lausanne.
Notably, teams from the same national league can face each other in the knockout rounds, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the draw.
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 in Leipzig
This schedule sets the stage for an exciting climax to the Europa Conference League season, with clubs vying for glory in one of European football's premier competitions.
