Europa League 2026-27, key dates for Sunderland fans after dramatic qualification | OneFootball

Sunderland are heading into Europe after a final day win over Chelsea sealed a Europa League place, and key dates for the 2026-27 campaign have been set.

The 2-1 victory at the Stadium of Light over Club World Cup champions Chelsea clinched seventh place. According to Sunderland Echo, Sunderland and Bournemouth go straight into the Europa League proper, while Brighton must qualify for the Conference League phase. That guarantees eight fixtures, four at home and four away.

Head coach Regis Le Bris urged humility, saying the club feel strong underlying structures and he does not want to set limits for next season. He noted the second Premier League campaign can be demanding, and called the Europa League a fresh challenge after a season in which his side recovered from setbacks. Players and staff are now on a well-earned break.

For the draw, clubs are placed into four pots based on coefficient. Each side is paired with two teams from each pot, playing one at home and one away. After eight gameweeks, the top eight receive byes to the last 16, the bottom eight go out, and places 16th to 24th enter a two-legged play-off.

The league-phase draw is on Friday 28 August 2026. Matchdays fall on 16 to 17 September, 15 October, 22 October, 5 November, 26 November, 10 December, 21 January and 28 January.

The final is scheduled for the Waldstadion, Frankfurt, on 26 May 2027.

Source: Sunderland Echo