How do the Europa League qualifiers work?
Overview of the format and important dates
Europe is preparing for a summer filled with football: the Europa League qualifiers begin as early as July, and the goal for many clubs across the continent is to secure a place in the league competition and sell tickets for key matches. Here is how the competition is structured:
- First qualifying round – the first legs are played in mid-July (July 10th and 17th). In this phase, the realistic participants are the national cup winners from the lower-ranked UEFA associations (17th–33rd), with the exception of Russia.
- Second qualifying round – 24 teams take to the field (8 from the first round plus 16 direct entrants – third-placed league teams, cup winners, and domestic 4th-place finishers from stronger federations). The matches are home and away on July 24th and 31st.
- Third qualifying round – 26 teams enter, divided into the Champions Path and Main Path, with matches on August 7th and 14th.
- Play-off round – 24 clubs play for qualification, with matches on August 21st and 28th.
- League stage – 36 teams enter the league competition with eight rounds (four home, four away), reinforced by losers from the Champions League qualifiers. It begins in September, specifically on the 24th–25th.
Number of participants and qualification paths
A total of 53 clubs participate through different paths:
- Champions Path – club champions who do not advance through the Champions League qualifiers.
- Main Path – domestic cup winners, third and fourth-placed league teams, and losers from the Champions League qualifiers and Europa League play-offs.
In total, 12 winners emerge from the qualifiers and play-offs to advance to the league competition, along with an additional 25 clubs directly qualified or transferred from the Champions League.
Schedule of qualifying stages
- 1st round: July 10th and 17th
- 2nd round: July 24th and 31st
- 3rd round: August 7th and 14th
- Play-off stage: August 21st and 28th
- League stage phase: September 24th and 25th – start of the eight-round competition
- Final: May 20th of next year in Istanbul, at the Beşiktaş stadium.
Recent draws – who is facing whom?
The recent official draw for the 2nd qualifying round has created interesting pairings among the eight ties:
- SC Braga (POR) vs winners from the first round – for example, Legia Warszawa/Aktobe
- FC Utrecht (NED) awaits the winner between FC Sheriff Tiraspol/FC Prishtina
- FC Midtjylland (DEN) against Hibernian FC (SCO)
- Beşiktaş JK (TUR) vs Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) or Ilves Tampere (FIN).
The match between Midtjylland and Hibernian is particularly interesting: the Scottish representative returns to the Europa League for the first time since 2018, and the Danish champions are a threat after their impressive results in the Champions League.
European context and interest
The 36-club league format creates an exciting basis for new Thursday matches. The influence of the Champions League on the Europa League qualifiers increases the competition's dynamic: clubs dropping from the Champions League enter the Europa League, which adds quality but also competition. There is a possibility that the match hosts, as well as the scheduling – fixtures, television rights, and ticket sales – bring additional commercial pressure on the clubs.
Why it is emotionally and commercially important
- Atmosphere in the stadiums: initial qualifying matches in mid-summer often attract home crowds, while the play-off stage focuses on the ambition to qualify for the league competition.
- Regional rivalries: matches between teams of a similar rank, such as the Scottish and Danish representatives, increase fan interest and ticket sales.
- Dynamic draw: the inclusion of Champions League teams will increase the uncertainty and commercial viability of Europa League matches, which is crucial for the operational success of the league.
Clubs with ambition and a strategy for the league
Clubs entering the Europa League qualifiers often balance the desire for international success with maintaining form in domestic competitions. Some clubs come from smaller footballing environments, where entering the Europa League group stage can financially change their future. Others come from established leagues and see this competition as an opportunity to expand their brand and build a reputation on the European stage.
Examples like Belgium's KAA Gent, Greece's Olympiacos, Norway's Molde, or Switzerland's Servette confirm that clubs from outside the top five leagues can certainly compete and play key roles in the Europa League. That is why the qualifiers are watched with special attention – they often produce surprises, new faces, and stories that shape the European season.
Key factors for success in the qualifiers
Many factors are needed for a successful run through the qualifiers. Among them, the following stand out:
- Squad depth – Clubs that do not have a sufficient number of quality players often "break" on two fronts.
- Experience on the international stage – Experienced teams know how to handle the pressure of travel, different playing styles, and hostile grounds.
- Form and continuity – A good start in the domestic championship often carries over to the European qualifiers.
- Fan support – Home matches in the qualifiers are often crucial, and the atmosphere in the stadiums can be decisive.
Especially in the second and third rounds, where the quality differences are not always large, tactical discipline and timely reactions from the coach make the difference between advancing and being eliminated.
The draw and its impact on ambitions
The draw at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon carries enormous weight for the fate of the clubs. Favorites try to avoid long and exhausting journeys, while underdogs hope for a "big name" that will attract crowds and attention. For example, if a club from Scandinavia draws a team from the Mediterranean, logistics become a challenge – long flights, high temperatures, and differences in the pace of the game.
That is why it is not uncommon for clubs with years of experience on the European stage, such as Dynamo Kyiv, Sparta Prague, or PAOK, to plan their preparations according to the possible draw and invest in scouting potential opponents even before they get an official rival.
The effect of qualifiers on the season
Participating in the Europa League qualifiers also affects the rest of the season – both physically and financially. An early entry into a competitive rhythm can be an advantage, but also a challenge. Clubs that start early with European commitments often begin their preparations earlier, which can lead to saturation or injury problems later in the season.
On the other hand, the financial benefits of qualifying for the league stage – through prize money, media rights, and increased fan interest – make investments in reinforcements and infrastructure worthwhile in the long run.
Geographical breadth of the competition
The Europa League is one of the few competitions that brings together clubs from Portugal to Kazakhstan, from Iceland to Israel. Such diversity creates a unique platform where different schools of football, fan cultures, and ambitions meet. In the qualifiers, this means:
- Matches between unknown but ambitious clubs (e.g., FC Tobol vs Maribor)
- Comparison of infrastructures and organizations among federations
- Promotion of football in regions that appear less frequently in the final stages of major competitions
It is particularly interesting when clubs from contrasting environments meet – for example, a Scottish club against a club from the Caucasus, where fan customs and playing standards make every match unpredictable and attractive.
Continuation and the importance of following the qualifiers
For fans and football lovers, the Europa League qualifiers are often the first contact with the season. Home matches provide an opportunity to support local clubs, and international fixtures offer insight into the strength and potential of their own teams.
Entering the group stage of the competition becomes not only a sporting goal but also a strategic imperative – a showcase for European scouts, media, and fans from across the continent. Clubs are not just fighting for a result, but also for their own affirmation.
Key moments of the Europa League qualifiers and their significance for fans
How memorable matches are created
The qualifying stage of the Europa League brings not only a competitive context but also an emotional connection between clubs and fans. It is precisely for this reason that many ties from the early stages of this competition are etched in the memory of football enthusiasts. When a club from a lesser-known league pulls off an upset against a favored opponent, it is not just recorded as a result – it becomes a story, a memory, a moment passed down through generations.
Fans across Europe actively follow the results, analyze the draw, and book accommodation and plan trips as early as June and July. This is particularly evident in countries where clubs regularly play in European qualifiers – such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, or Sweden.
Ticket sales and fan logistics
Once the match schedule is set, clubs quickly start organizing logistics, security, and ticket sales. Particularly important are the so-called "high-demand" matches – when a club draws a strong opponent or when it is a regional derby. Tickets become a sought-after commodity, and many clubs have waiting lists for season ticket holders and club members.
Matches in the later stages of qualifying, especially the play-off round, attract a larger number of spectators. Clubs organize special packages for fans, and the stands are filled even before the day of the match. Although sales partners are not mentioned here, the fact is that interest in tickets grows when the opponent has a big name, and the chance of advancing to the group stage becomes realistic.
The influence of club history and reputation
The reputation of clubs in the qualifiers often influences the perception of fans and the media. Clubs like Ajax, Eintracht Frankfurt, Galatasaray, or Rangers, although perhaps not always direct participants in this stage of the competition, often find themselves in the qualifiers when they have not achieved the desired result in their domestic leagues. Their appearance automatically attracts attention and creates additional hype around the matches.
On the other hand, smaller clubs that have never played in the group stage (like FC Ballkani from Kosovo or FC RFS from Latvia) often receive media attention because they symbolize authenticity and the David vs. Goliath football story.
Qualifiers as a generator of fan energy
The Europa League qualifiers create the conditions for true fan community. Home stands can erupt when the home club scores a goal against a much stronger opponent. Joint trips to away matches in Scandinavia, the Baltics, or Southern Europe connect fans, and every successful result strengthens faith in the club's project.
In addition, footage from the stadiums, choreographies, and fan chants go viral on social media and further promote the club and its European journey. Tickets for such matches, especially in the later stages, become sought-after and important for confirming one's belonging to the club.
Digital reach and match broadcasts
More and more qualifying matches are being broadcast on digital platforms, which increases global interest. Fans who cannot be physically present at the stadium follow every moment via live streams and sports apps. This also increases the importance of timely information about dates, opponents, and how to get tickets.
The combination of digital following and physical presence creates a synergy that allows the Europa League qualifiers to outgrow their "second-rate" label and become a serious global football product.
Psychological pressure and the importance of home ground
For most clubs, the home ground in the qualifiers represents a decisive advantage. Clubs invest a lot of effort to create an atmosphere that will help the players give their maximum. Many experts argue that support from the stands can give players an extra 10% of strength.
There are not many things that can compare to an evening match in July or August, full stands, and the sound of fan chants echoing through the streets around the stadium. That is precisely why clubs encourage fans to get involved in buying tickets and planning their attendance at matches as early as possible.
The group stage as a reward
When a club passes through all the qualifying hurdles and qualifies for the league competition, it enters a European calendar that brings eight matches against attractive opponents. This creates a continuity of spectator attendance, a growth in ticket sales, and stable media visibility.
Thursday matches become events – every ticket becomes a key to entering a football adventure that lasts all autumn. Clubs use this momentum to further increase interest in the domestic championship, merchandise sales, and attracting new sponsors.
New UEFA rules and opportunities for clubs
The reformed format of the Europa League with a single league of 36 clubs (the so-called Swiss system) brings new opportunities for clubs that qualify. Each club plays four home and four away matches, which significantly increases the number of opportunities to generate revenue through ticket sales, hospitality services, and sponsor activations.
In addition, every point earned brings an additional cash bonus, which further motivates clubs not to stop after the qualifiers but to approach every match seriously.
Fan perspective and the importance of information
For fans, timely information about schedules, opponents, and ticket availability is crucial. The qualifiers are short, matches change quickly, and the schedule is sometimes known only a week in advance.
That is why the digital availability of information on ticket sales, exact dates, stadium locations, and travel options is crucial. Fans want to plan ahead – whether they are coming from the same country or traveling from abroad to support their club.
The Europa League qualifiers are not just the beginning of a great football journey – they are the core of what makes football special: unpredictability, community, and the desire to succeed against all odds. Every ticket becomes a symbol of belonging, and every match a new page in the story that clubs and fans write together.