2026 UEFA Conference League Knockout Ties Draw: Schedule, Dates, Teams How To Watch
UEFA Conference League Knockout Play-offs Set: Exciting Ties Featuring Crystal Palace, Fiorentina, AZ Alkmaar & MoreThe UEFA Conference League knockout play-off round draw has been completed, delivering a thrilling lineup of eight two-legged ties that will decide which teams advance to the round of 16 in the 2025/26 season. The first legs are scheduled for February 19, 2026, with the decisive second legs set for February 26, 2026.
This knockout stage features a compelling mix of European heavyweights, rising clubs, and underdogs from across the continent. English giants Crystal Palace face a tough challenge away in Bosnia against Zrinjski Mostar, while Italian side Fiorentina (frequent finalists in recent Conference League campaigns) take on Polish champions Jagiellonia Białystok.
Dutch powerhouse AZ Alkmaar will host Armenian side Noah, and Turkish club Samsunspor travels to North Macedonia to face Shkëndija.Here are the full confirmed ties for the 2026
UEFA Conference League Knockout Play-offs:
KuPS (Finland) vs Lech Poznań (Poland)
Shkëndija (North Macedonia) vs Samsunspor (Turkey)
Noah (Armenia) vs AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands)
Drita (Kosovo) vs Celje (Slovenia)
Zrinjski Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina) vs Crystal Palace (England)
Sigma Olomouc (Czech Republic) vs Lausanne-Sport (Switzerland)
Jagiellonia Białystok (Poland) vs Fiorentina (Italy)
Omonia Nicosia (Cyprus) vs Rijeka (Croatia)
Key Storylines to WatchCrystal Palace's European Adventure: The Premier League side, making their first appearance in the Conference League knockout stages, will be heavy favorites against Bosnian champions Zrinjski Mostar. Palace’s attacking depth and Premier League experience should give them the edge, but Zrinjski have proven tough at home.
Fiorentina's Quest for Redemption: The Viola reached the Conference League final in both 2022/23 and 2023/24 (losing both times). Now they face Jagiellonia Białystok in a winnable tie, with Fiorentina aiming to finally lift the trophy.
AZ Alkmaar as Strong Favorites: The Eredivisie side, known for their attacking style and youth development, should comfortably progress against Armenian side Noah.
Eastern European Upset Potential: Teams like KuPS, Shkëndija, Drita, and Zrinjski have shown resilience in qualifying rounds and could cause problems for higher-seeded opponents.
The winners of these ties will join the 8 teams that advanced directly from the league phase (including top performers like Chelsea, Panathinaikos, and others) in the round of 16 draw.With high-stakes European football returning in mid-February, these knockout play-offs promise drama, goals, and potential giant-killings. Stay tuned for full match previews, team news, and betting odds closer to the first-leg kick-offs on February 19!
_______
0 Comments