UEFA Conference League Round of 16 Draw Set for February 27, 2026

The UEFA Conference League draw for the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals is confirmed for February 27, 2026. This is after the knockout play-offs conclude.
By Newsroom | Football, Europe |

The upcoming draw for the UEFA Conference League Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals has a scheduled date. This draw will determine the matchups for the final stages of the competition. Teams that have advanced from the league phase will learn their opponents as they progress toward the final.

When is the Conference League draw for the last 16? Date, time and qualified teams - 1

The structure of the tournament involves a league phase where all 36 participating teams compete. Following the league phase, a knockout phase begins. The top eight teams from the league phase automatically qualify for the Round of 16. Teams ranked from 9th to 24th enter a knockout play-off round to earn their place in the Round of 16.

When is the Conference League draw for the last 16? Date, time and qualified teams - 2

Key Draw and Match Dates Established

The UEFA Conference League has a clearly defined timeline for its knockout stages. The draw that will decide the path for the Round of 16 and subsequent rounds is set for February 27, 2026.

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When is the Conference League draw for the last 16? Date, time and qualified teams - 3

  • The league phase of the competition concludes on December 18, 2025.

  • A draw for the knockout phase play-offs is scheduled for January 16, 2026.

  • The knockout play-off matches are set to take place on February 19 and February 26, 2026.

  • Following the Round of 16 draw, the Round of 16 matches are scheduled for March 12 and March 19, 2026.

  • Quarter-final ties will be played on April 9 and April 16, 2026.

  • Semi-final matches are scheduled for April 30 and May 7, 2026.

  • The final match will be held on May 27, 2026, at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany.

Tournament Progression and Qualification

The 2025/26 UEFA Conference League features a format where all 36 teams begin in the league phase, with no teams directly qualifying for this stage. Qualification is based on association club coefficient rankings and playoff rounds.

When is the Conference League draw for the last 16? Date, time and qualified teams - 4

  • Top 8 teams from the league phase automatically advance to the Round of 16.

  • Teams finishing between 9th and 24th in the league phase enter the knockout play-offs.

  • Opponents faced in the league phase can be drawn against each other again in the knockout stages.

  • Seeded teams, which are typically those that finished higher in the league phase, will host the second leg of their ties.

Qualified Teams for Knockout Phase

After the league phase's conclusion on December 18, 2025, the following teams have advanced:

PhaseTeams
Round of 16AEK Athens (GRE), AEK Larnaca (CYP), Rayo Vallecano (ESP), Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR), Sparta Praha (CZE), Strasbourg (FRA). (Note: Four additional teams will qualify from the knockout play-offs.)
Knockout Play-offsAZ Alkmaar (NED), Crystal Palace (ENG), Fiorentina (ITA), Jagiellonia (POL), KuPS Kuopio (FIN), Lausanne-Sport (SUI), Lech Poznań (POL), Samsunspor (TUR), Shkëndija (MKD), Sigma Olomouc (CZE), SK Rapid (AUT), Slovan Bratislava (SVK), Zrinjski (BIH), Drita (KOS), Omonoia (CYP), Rijeka (CRO), Universitatea Craiova (ROU), Shelbourne (IRL), Hamrun Spartans (MLT), Breidablik (ISL), Noah (ARM), Lincoln Red Imps (GIB), Omonoia (CYP). (Note: There are 16 teams in total for the play-offs, with 8 advancing to the Round of 16.)

Draw Mechanics and Viewing

The draw for the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals will determine the subsequent matchups. The precise location and broadcast details for this specific draw are available through official UEFA channels. The draws for earlier stages, such as the league phase draw, have already taken place.

The draw for the Round of 16 and beyond is scheduled for February 27, 2026.

Expert Commentary

Details regarding specific viewing options or times for the February 27 draw are not universally specified across all reports, though UEFA.com is indicated as a platform for live streams for related draws. The process ensures a clear path to the final, with teams being allocated based on their league phase performance.

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Conclusion

The UEFA Conference League's knockout phase is well-defined with key dates for draws and matches set. The draw for the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals will occur on February 27, 2026. This event marks a critical juncture in the competition, as it will finalize the path for the remaining teams towards the final on May 27, 2026, in Leipzig. The qualification for the Round of 16 involves direct entry for the top league phase teams and progression through the knockout play-offs for others.

Sources Used and Their Context:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 draw?
The draw for the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League will take place on February 27, 2026. This draw will decide the matchups for the final stages of the competition.
Q: Which teams have already qualified for the Round of 16 in the UEFA Conference League?
Six teams, AEK Athens, AEK Larnaca, Rayo Vallecano, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sparta Praha, and Strasbourg, have directly qualified for the Round of 16. Four more teams will join them after the knockout play-off round.
Q: What are the key dates for the UEFA Conference League knockout stages in 2026?
The knockout play-off matches are on February 19 and 26, 2026. The Round of 16 matches are on March 12 and 19, 2026. Quarter-finals are on April 9 and 16, and semi-finals are on April 30 and May 7, 2026.
Q: When and where is the UEFA Conference League final in 2026?
The final match of the UEFA Conference League will be played on May 27, 2026. The location for the final is the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany.
Q: How do teams reach the Round of 16 in the UEFA Conference League?
The top eight teams from the league phase automatically go to the Round of 16. Teams ranked 9th to 24th must play in a knockout play-off round to earn their spot in the Round of 16.