The Conference League in Europe: everything about the format, schedule, draw, rules, and tickets
What is the UEFA Conference League and why is it attractive to fans across Europe
The UEFA Conference League is the third continental club competition that offers a broader base of clubs the opportunity for an international stage, with matches scheduled mainly on Thursdays, parallel to the UEFA Europa League. The competition brings together a diverse group of participants from many football environments, and its "league phase" format (a replacement for the former group stage) is designed to bring more different opponents and a balanced schedule of home and away matches. This opens up a greater choice of matches for fans across the continent to plan trips and purchase tickets for the Conference League, with a clear, transparent competition system.
Competition format, number of clubs, and match schedule in the league phase
In the league phase, 36 clubs participate, ranked in a single table. Each club plays a total of six matches against six different opponents – three at their own stadium and three away. This rule guarantees a variety of opponents and a balance of home/away fixtures from the very beginning of the competition: in the first two rounds, each club has one home and one away match, and the same applies to the last two rounds. After six rounds, clubs from 1st to 8th place go directly to the round of 16; clubs from 9th to 24th place play in a play-off for advancement, while clubs from 25th to 36th place end their European season.
Calendar: key dates of the league phase and the rest of the season
The league phase is played in six rounds with fixed dates: October 2, October 23, November 6, November 27, December 11, and December 18. Standard kick-off times are scheduled in three slots (CET): 16:30, 18:45, or 21:00, which helps fans plan trips and choose tickets for the Conference League according to their own possibilities. After the winter period, the play-offs follow (two Thursdays in February), then the round of 16 in March, the quarter-finals in April, and the semi-finals at the end of April and beginning of May, while the final match is scheduled to be held at the stadium in Leipzig.
- League phase: 6 rounds, Thursdays in October, November, and December.
- Play-offs: two-legged tie in February (involving clubs from places 9–24).
- Round of 16: two-legged tie in March (also includes the top 8 finishers from the league phase).
- Finals: quarter-finals and semi-finals in April/May; final in Leipzig.
League phase draw: pots, restrictions, and how your schedule is created
Before the start of the league phase, the 36 clubs are divided into
six pots based on their club coefficient. The draw pairs up pots (1–2, 3–4, 5–6) and assigns each club one opponent from each such "paired" group – one for a home match and the other for an away match. As a rule, clubs from the same national association
do not play against each other in the league phase, and there is a restriction that a club cannot have more than two opponents from the same other association. This draw structure ensures a variety of matches and a fairer schedule, which is also important for planning travel, accommodation, and timely demand for tickets for Conference League matches.
- 6 pots of 6 clubs each: defined by coefficient.
- Pot pairings: 1–2, 3–4, 5–6 → one home + one away opponent from each pair.
- Restrictions: as a rule, no pairings from the same country; a maximum of two opponents from the same other association.
Scoring rules, standings, and ranking criteria
The scoring system is classic: a win brings 3 points, a draw 1, a loss 0. If two or more clubs are tied on points after six rounds, the following criteria are applied in order:
goal difference,
total goals scored,
away goals scored,
number of wins,
away wins, and then the collective performance of opponents (sum of points, goal difference, and goals of their league opponents),
disciplinary points, and finally the
club coefficient. If the clubs are still tied, UEFA lists them as having the same rank (shown alphabetically by their abbreviated names). This transparent set of rules helps fans understand why certain clubs are above or below the line for the round of 16 and when the demand for tickets for decisive matches is highest.
How the path to the knockout phase works and why the position in the table is important
The top eight teams are rewarded with direct entry into the round of 16, which also brings practical benefits: fewer matches in a crowded schedule and more time to prepare. Clubs in places 9–24 enter a play-off (two-legged tie) which decides who will fill the remaining eight spots in the round of 16. Elimination in the league phase (places 25–36) ends the European season – there is no transfer to another tournament. Thus, every league phase match becomes important from a fan's perspective as well: key duels with a direct impact on placement usually see higher demand for Conference League tickets, especially in the last two rounds when the schedule guarantees one home and one away test for all clubs.
Qualifications and access list: who reaches the league phase
A specific feature of the Conference League is that there are
no teams that qualify directly for the league phase: all 36 clubs go through qualifying rounds (first, second, third qualifying round, and play-off), and transfers from the Europa League after the play-offs complete the final list. All qualifying ties are played over two legs. This arrangement opens the door to a wide range of clubs from different football environments and results in a rich geographical map of away trips – which is also important for fans who plan their travel and budget for tickets for Conference League matches in Europe in advance.
- Entry into the league phase: through qualifications and play-offs (two-legged ties).
- Filling the spots: some clubs come after being eliminated in the Europa League play-offs.
- Regulatory framework: defined in detail in the Regulations and Annex A (Access List).
Kick-off schedule and television windows: how the fan experience is timed
UEFA defines kick-off windows (16:30, 18:45, and 21:00 CET) to reduce overlaps and offer a clear time matrix throughout the evening. This allows fans who specifically follow multiple clubs or are planning trips to more easily choose times and cities, while clubs are ensured a fairer rhythm between home and away matches, without long series at home or away. Such standardization of kick-off times increases the clarity of the schedule and facilitates timely planning for the purchase of tickets for the Conference League.
Coefficients, minimum points, and why they are important in the bigger picture
In addition to the sporting order, coefficients play a dual role: they determine the distribution into pots before the draw and, in the long term, affect the status of associations and clubs in the European hierarchy. In the Conference League, there is also a
guaranteed minimum contribution to the club coefficient in the league phase (2.5 points), even if a club earns fewer on the pitch; however, this is not added to the actual competition points or the association coefficient. Understanding these rules helps to comprehend why certain clubs are in higher draw pots – which can consequently affect the attractiveness of certain pairings, the travel schedules of fans, and the demand for tickets.
Practical notes for fans: travel, security, and tickets
As this is a pan-European competition, the logistics of away trips often include connecting flights and strictly coordinated entry controls at stadiums. UEFA defines the operational and security standards for hosts (infrastructure, lighting, technology, media protocols), and national associations and clubs implement detailed instructions on stadium access, gate opening times, and rules of conduct. When planning travel and purchasing tickets for Conference League matches, it is advisable to follow the official channels of the clubs and the local instructions of the organizers, as well as to check the weather conditions and public transport in the host cities.
Note on the eligibility of clubs and general decisions
UEFA periodically confirms the lists of participants with a note that all clubs from Russia are suspended from European competitions until further notice. This decision affects the composition of the qualifying paths and the final geographical picture of the league phase, but it does not change the basic rules of the format, draw, and schedule.
How to read the schedule and plan for "hot" ticket periods
Due to the single table, the points race intensifies as early as the middle of the cycle, and the last two rounds often bring "all or nothing" scenarios for entering the round of 16 or avoiding the play-offs. Clubs with a better chance of a Top 8 finish often attract higher demand for Conference League tickets for home matches in November and December, while for clubs in the 9–24 zone, interest in potential duels in February increases. Due to the limited number of home fixtures (only three in the league phase), fans targeting specific pairings usually plan ahead, immediately after the draw at the end of August, when the opponents and the match schedule by round are known.
The Conference League in Europe: schedule, draw, rules, host cities, and useful tips for tickets
Key dates and kick-off windows: how to time the planning of matches and trips
The league phase schedule consists of six Thursdays spread from the beginning to the end of autumn, allowing fans to plan trips long-term and get timely information about tickets for the Conference League. Matches are usually played in three time slots to avoid overlaps and provide clarity about the evening's rhythm of matches. Special attention is paid to the last round, when all matches are played simultaneously, so the demand for tickets is often highest, especially in cities whose teams are fighting for places that lead directly to the round of 16 or into the play-offs. Standard kick-off times are set so that fans can combine cities and matches in one football evening, with minimal logistical risks for transfer between locations.
- League phase dates: October 2, October 23, November 6, November 27, December 11, and December 18 (dates are subject to changes prescribed by the UEFA administration).
- Kick-off windows: as a rule 16:30, 18:45, or 21:00 (CET), with a single kick-off time for the last round.
- Rest of the season: followed by the play-offs, round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals, all in a clearly defined calendar sequence.
Participants and geographical diversity: why the league phase is attractive to fans
The Conference League's league phase brings together 36 clubs that have earned their place exclusively through qualifying rounds and play-offs, with no direct entries. This creates a cartography of travel across many European cities, with various styles of play and different stadium sizes. The diversity of competitors creates a unique fan dynamic: on one side are clubs from the biggest leagues that use the Conference League for youth development and international experience, and on the other are clubs from growing football environments that add a strong local identity to their European matches. For planning tickets for Conference League matches, this also means a wider range of prices, different policies for the entry of away fans, and conditions of stay in cities that differ in public transport and accommodation infrastructure. The lists of participants confirm the breadth of the competition: the competition consists of representatives from a number of football associations, and each club enters the league phase after a multi-layered qualifying filter that increases the homogeneity of the quality of the autumn matches.
How to read the table and why "marginal" matches are key
The ranking list in the league phase is unique: all clubs are in the same table, and each has six matches against six different opponents, three at home and three away. Points are summed up according to the standard principle, and after just three rounds, clusters can be discerned: teams aiming for the Top 8, a large middle block (places 9–24), and those looking for a lifeline to avoid the elimination zones. For tickets, it is important to understand that "marginal" matches — those that decide whether a club will stay above or below the line for the round of 16 or fall into the play-offs — often generate the highest local demand, especially if they are played in later rounds and in weeks with a denser schedule of other competitions. In such scenarios, the match day and kick-off time strongly influence the movement of prices and availability, so fans are advised to check all operational information in a timely manner.
Tie-breaking criteria for the same number of points: what decides the ranking
If, after six rounds, several clubs are tied on the same number of points, a series of criteria are applied that sequentially reward performance throughout the league cycle. First, goal difference is considered, then the total number of goals scored and goals scored away, followed by the number of wins and away wins. This is followed by a set of criteria that evaluate the "strength of opponents" through the sum of points and goal difference of the opponents, with disciplinary points as an additional measure and, finally, the club coefficient. For fans planning matches with an eye on tickets, this means that even matches against seemingly "irrelevant" opponents can decide seasonal goals, as improving goal difference or an extra away win can tip the standings.
League phase draw: pots, restrictions, and home/away distribution
The draw is designed to create a diverse mix of opponents and a balance of home and away fixtures. Clubs are sorted into six pots according to their coefficients, and then they are assigned one opponent from each pot, with a pre-determined rule that from the paired pots (1–2, 3–4, 5–6), one opponent comes for a home match and the other for an away match. As a rule, pairings from the same association are avoided in the league phase, as are more than two opponents from any one other association. This draw logic affects travel planning and ticket demand: fans can expect a range of different opponents and stadium types, without long series of home or away matches that would affect the rhythm of the season.
Kick-off windows and operational rules: what "simultaneous finish" means and why it is important
The league phase matches are scheduled in three standard time slots to facilitate television production and better distribute fan flows across cities. The final round is played simultaneously in the evening slot, which treats all clubs equally and reduces the possibility of a calculated advantage based on the results of previously played matches. For fans, this also means a specific atmosphere in the host cities: the last Thursday of the autumn phase brings increased crowds on public transport, enhanced security protocols, and heightened interest in tickets for the Conference League, especially where the stakes for direct progression are high. The rules also define permissible exceptions and give the UEFA administration the ability to make adjustments when necessary due to security, infrastructure, or other objective circumstances.
How the redistribution of home and away fixtures affects the fan experience
The system is set up so that each club has one home and one away match in the first two rounds, and the same applies to the last two rounds. In practice, this means that fans can plan the "opening" and "closing" of the autumn cycle with at least one opportunity to cheer for their club at their own stadium. In addition, the rule limits long streaks of away games or a series of matches at home, which stabilizes the travel rhythm and, consequently, the demand for tickets in individual cities. When the middle of the cycle brings a schedule with difficult away games, the home duels immediately before and after usually gain additional importance and generate increased interest from fans who want to "catch" the pivotal moments of the season.
What the rest of the season brings: play-offs, round of 16, and the finals
At the end of the league phase, a division follows which has both sporting and logistical consequences. The top eight ranked clubs go directly to the round of 16, thereby reducing their number of matches and getting more space for preparation; this can directly affect the ticket purchasing strategy as fans have a longer "runway" for planning trips in the spring fixtures. Clubs in places 9–24 enter the play-offs, with two-legged ties that are often very balanced and attract considerable interest from the local community. The quarter-finals and semi-finals then bring classic knockout drama, with a focus on evening time slots and stricter security protocols.
Final in Leipzig: competition framework and pointers for fans
The final match takes place at the stadium in Leipzig, a modern multi-functional building that has already hosted a number of major football events. Of particular relevance to fans are the stadium's capacity and infrastructure, as well as the fact that the city is well-connected by rail and air lines within Europe, which simplifies planning. The usual evening time for the final implies increased city crowds on the approaches and a strict entry regime, so it is advisable to follow the operational announcements of the organizers and the city's transport services. The mention of the final in Leipzig further enhances the media focus on the conclusion of the season, where the demand for tickets traditionally exceeds domestic frameworks and attracts fans from all over Europe.
Infrastructure and stadium eligibility rules: why logistics affect ticket availability
UEFA's operational rules emphasize that, in principle, eligible stadiums are those that can be reached by regular international or charter flights within a reasonable distance of the host city. This ensures that fans have feasible itineraries, and that police and security services have predictable flows of arrivals and departures. As a rule, it is also stipulated that from the league phase onwards, a club plays all its matches at the same stadium, which reduces the risk of ad hoc relocations and helps fans in planning the purchase of accommodation and transport in a specific city district. For Conference League tickets, this means a more stable calendar and fewer sudden changes that could affect getting to the stadium.
Application of coefficients and their impact on the draw: how the "starting position" shapes the season
Club coefficients determine the distribution into draw pots and indirectly influence the profile of opponents in the autumn cycle. A club with a higher coefficient is more likely to get opponents whose style suits them and who bring more predictable fan arrival patterns, while clubs with lower coefficients often build their identity on surprises and home-field momentum. For tickets, this means that high-ranked clubs often see stable demand throughout the autumn, while clubs from the "lower" pots experience spikes in interest for matches against more renowned opponents or in key rounds for placement. The draw further limits the possibility of excessive "grouping" by country, thereby protecting the diversity of opponents and fan travel.
Effects of simultaneity and "TV windows" on fan behavior
The combination of precisely defined TV windows and a simultaneous final round generates a predictable schedule of demand in host cities. When matches are played in parallel, local authorities and clubs can more accurately allocate resources of transport and security services, and fans have a clear time matrix for arrival and departure. Given that evening time slots attract larger audiences and create a "European football night," tickets for the Conference League in these slots see increased interest, especially for teams that are in the race for the Top 8 or are trying to avoid dropping into the play-offs. The rules also provide for the possibility of exceptions when necessary, but the starting point is a stable framework.
Practical guidelines for fans: how to choose matches and cities
When planning autumn trips, it is useful to "map" round by round and single out the dates with the highest sporting stakes. The third and fourth rounds often "open" the race for the round of 16 or the play-offs, while the fifth and sixth bring "all or nothing" scenarios. For tickets, it is advisable to follow club announcements about available quotas for neutral and away fans, rules on bringing in props, and gate opening times. In addition, check for announced roadworks and seasonal schedules of airlines, especially in cities where the stadium is outside the immediate center. If you plan to attend multiple matches in a day, combine cities within the same kick-off time window to avoid time overlaps and risky transfers.
What to expect from host cities: fan zones, stadium access, and security protocols
The experience of a Conference League match goes far beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch. Host cities most often organize fan zones with marked routes to the stadium and public transport zones, and ahead of the final round, police and city services introduce enhanced signage and additional lines. For Conference League tickets, the rule is that the logistical side also affects demand: the easier and faster the access to the stadium, the greater the interest from a wider audience, including neutral fans who want to experience the European atmosphere. The competition rules also provide for criteria regarding infrastructure, with an emphasis on accessibility and transport connectivity, so the fan experience is directly linked to the quality of the location and organizational standards.
How to prepare a "ticket plan" for autumn and spring
Fans targeting specific opponents often plan immediately after the draw is announced, choosing one home match in the first two rounds and one in the final two rounds to catch both fan-ritual points of the season. For those looking for a "European city-break," it is recommended to combine cities with different kick-off times to avoid rushing and increase the likelihood of arriving at the stadium on time. Further on, the play-offs and the round of 16 are usually compressed into two consecutive Thursdays, so it is useful to follow the schedule announcements as soon as the pairings are confirmed. The quarter-finals and semi-finals then bring two-legged ties that quickly change host cities, which directs fans towards more flexible bookings for accommodation and transport.
Why it is important to read the "fine print" of the rules: from the schedule to stadium eligibility
The Conference League rules are structured to maintain the integrity of the competition under conditions that protect fan safety and market balance. The provisions on the schedule and kick-off times, as well as on stadium eligibility and possible exceptions, serve to avoid sudden changes in location and kick-off time that could make it difficult for fans to access the stadium. This is particularly important in "dense" weeks when matches are played on multiple fronts and when ticket demand enters a higher gear, as stable frameworks help both clubs and city services in planning.
Specifics of the final: what makes the final a special event
The final is a standalone event with special protocols, including increased security requirements and clear time points for fans' entry into the stadium. The evening time slot under the floodlights carries a recognizable European rhythm, and the media attention raises the interest of even neutral football lovers who want to experience the ceremony and atmosphere of the last match of the season. In practice, this also means different habits regarding tickets: fans often follow announcements about distribution and operational instructions over a longer period, in accordance with the decisions of the organizers and local authorities. Since the final is located in a city with developed transport infrastructure, the logistics of fan arrivals and departures become more predictable, which further facilitates planning.
Why every round is a story in itself
The unique format of the Conference League has turned autumn into a mosaic of different opponents and cities, where the schedule, kick-off windows, and ranking criteria are intertwined with the fan experience in the stands. Each round brings a new context: the sporting stakes, travel logistics, the pulse of the host city, and the specific dynamics of demand for Conference League tickets. Correctly reading the calendar, understanding the draw restrictions, and knowing the ranking criteria help fans to recognize "hot" periods in advance and choose the matches they want to experience live. In this balance between the pitch and the stands lies the appeal of a competition that is designed to open the European stage to a wide range of clubs and their fans, across the continent and throughout the entire season.