The stage is set for one of the most anticipated events in the European football calendar: the UEFA Europa League group stage draw for the 2025-26 season. Fans across the UK are eager to discover the fate of their clubs as they embark on the road to the final in Bilbao.
When and Where is the Draw?
The draw ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday, 29 August 2025. The event will be held at the iconic Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, a traditional home for UEFA's glittering season-opening events. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the proceedings are expected to kick off at 12:00 PM BST.
How to Watch Live on UK TV
British football fans won't miss a moment of the action. The entire draw will be broadcast live on TNT Sports, the primary home for UEFA club competitions in the UK. Additionally, streaming services like Discovery+ will offer a live feed for subscribers wanting to watch on the go.
The Teams in the Pot
The 2025-26 edition will feature a new-look format, but the excitement remains the same. The league phase will consist of 36 teams, all vying for a place in the knockout rounds. While the final qualifiers will be confirmed after the Champions League play-offs, the line-up is already packed with intrigue.
English clubs are well-represented. Liverpool and Aston Villa are expected to be among the top seeds, having secured their places through their Premier League finishes. They will be joined by a host of other giants from across Europe, including:
- Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
- Club Brugge (Belgium)
- Stade Rennais (France)
- Real Sociedad (Spain)
- AC Milan (Italy)
The draw promises to create some thrilling group-stage encounters as the continent's elite discover their opponents.
A New Format for a New Era
This season marks a significant shift in the competition's structure. Gone is the traditional group stage. In its place is a single 36-team league where each club plays eight matches against different opponents.
The top eight teams will automatically advance to the round of 16. Those finishing between 9th and 24th will face off in a two-legged play-off to secure the remaining eight spots, ensuring every match carries immense importance right from the start.
All eyes will be on Monaco this August as the path to the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao begins to take shape.
