TV, Format, Dates: All about the UEFA Conference League 2026/27

The most important dates for the Conference League 2026/27:

All teams that secure a spot in the Conference League league phase must go through qualification. Not a single one of the 36 starting places is awarded directly. A total of 52 clubs will compete via the main path in the Conference League qualification.

SK Rapid and FK Austria Wien, two Austrian clubs, have entered in the second qualification round. FC Salzburg could theoretically transfer to the Conference League as another Austrian representative via the Europa League qualification.

Once all participants are confirmed, the Conference League draw will take place on August 28, alongside the Europa League draw. As usual, the draw will be conducted at UEFA's headquarters - in Nyon.

test — Auslosung der UEFA Conference League 2026/27
Foto: ©IMAGO / PsnewZ

The Format for the 2026/27 Season:

For the third time since its introduction in 2024, the new format will be played next season. All 36 qualified teams will be in a single large table for the league phase. Each team will play six matches in this league phase, three at home and three away.

Accordingly, the draw in Nyon will not determine groups, but rather pairings. The clubs will be divided into six seeding pots and will face one team from each pot during the league phase.

At the end of the league phase, the top eight teams will advance directly to the Round of 16. Teams placed ninth to 24th will compete in a play-off knockout round for the remaining Round of 16 tickets. For the last twelve teams, the European campaign will be over.

Final in Istanbul

The UEFA Conference League final will take place on June 2 in Istanbul at Beşiktaş Park. An international final has only recently been held at the stadium of the 16-time Turkish champions.

The 2026 Europa League final between Freiburg and Aston Villa on May 20 was also played in this stadium. Aston Villa won 3-0 there. In addition, the UEFA Super Cup took place on the Bosphorus in 2019.

Where to watch the 2026/27 Conference League on stream and TV?

In Austria, Sky will broadcast all 2026/27 Conference League matches live, except for the top match chosen by Canal+.

Additionally, Canal+ will also broadcast the final match. Matches will also be available on free-to-air TV. ServusTV has the second top match pick and can broadcast one match per matchday on TV.