Europa League Last-16 Draw: Key Details and Qualified Teams
The draw for the knockout rounds of the Europa League will be completed this week, with teams including Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest learning their potential route to May's final in Istanbul. The last-16 draw is scheduled for Friday afternoon, following the conclusion of the play-off matches that will determine the final eight qualifiers.
When and Where is the Draw?
The Europa League last-16 draw will take place in Nyon, Switzerland, at 12pm GMT (1pm local time) on Friday 27 February 2026. This crucial event will set the stage for the knockout phase, with clubs discovering their opponents for the round of 16.
How to Watch the Draw Online
Football fans can follow the draw live through multiple digital platforms. UEFA will stream the event on its official website, YouTube channel, and the dedicated Europa League app, ensuring global accessibility for supporters eager to see the matchups unfold.
Qualified Teams for the Last-16
The top eight sides from the Europa League league phase have already secured their places in the last-16. These teams are:
- Lyon
- Aston Villa
- FC Midtjylland
- Real Betis
- Porto
- Braga
- Freiburg
- AS Roma
Additionally, eight teams advanced via the play-offs after finishing between ninth and 24th in the league phase. The play-off results include Nottingham Forest's victory over Fenerbahce and Lille's win against Crvena Zvezda, among others.
Possible Last-16 Draw Permutations
Teams have been grouped into seeded couplets based on their league phase standings, creating specific match possibilities. For instance, Lyon and Aston Villa will be drawn against either Lille or Celta Vigo. Similarly, FC Midtjylland and Real Betis face Panathinaikos or Nottingham Forest, while Porto and Braga could meet Ferencvaros or Stuttgart. Freiburg and AS Roma are set to play Bologna or Genk.
Notably, clubs from the same national league can be paired against each other in the knockout rounds, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the draw.
Match Dates and Tournament Schedule
The last-16 ties are scheduled for mid-March, with the first legs on 10/11 March and the return legs on 17/18 March 2026. The tournament will then progress through the quarter-finals in April, semi-finals in late April and early May, culminating in the final on 19/20 May 2026 in Istanbul.
Favourites to Win the Europa League
According to bookmakers, Aston Villa are the favourites to win this season's Europa League, with odds of 11/4. Other strong contenders include Roma at 7/1, Porto at 8/1, and Lyon at 9/1. Nottingham Forest and Real Betis are also in the mix with odds of 10/1 each.
Please note: All odds and information are accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change. Always gamble responsibly and seek support if needed.
