Europa League 2026-27: the key dates for Sunderland after dramatic qualification | OneFootball

Sunderland have qualified for the Europa League and key 2026-27 dates have now been confirmed. Sunderland Echo notes the schedule is set.

Sunderland finished seventh thanks to a 2-1 victory against Club World Cup champions Chelsea at the Stadium of Light on the final day. The players and staff are now on a well-earned summer break.

Unlike Brighton, who must qualify for the Conference League phase, Sunderland and Bournemouth go straight into the Europa League proper. They are guaranteed eight fixtures, four at home and four away.

Teams are seeded into four pots by coefficient. Each side plays two opponents from each pot, one home and one away. After eight gameweeks, the top eight reach the last 16, the bottom eight are eliminated, and 16th to 24th play a two-legged knockout.

The draw for the league phase takes place on Friday, 28 August 2026. Matchdays are 16 and 17 September, 15 October, 22 October, 5 November, 26 November and 10 December 2026. They resume on 21 January and 28 January 2027.

The final is at the Waldstadion in Frankfurt on 26 May 2027. Head coach Le Bris said Sunderland must stay humble, felt the structure is strong and reiterated they will not set limits for next season.

Source: Sunderland Echo