Europa League 2026/27: Fixtures and Favourites

The new Conference League 2026/27 is just around the corner. In its sixth season, Europe’s third-largest club competition once again promises numerous exciting clashes, international surprises and interesting betting opportunities. Well-known traditional clubs, rising underdogs and ambitious European cup contenders will battle it out over the coming months for a place in the grand final in Istanbul.

After the successful first years of the competition, the Conference League has long established itself as a permanent fixture in European club football. Many fans are already asking: Which teams are among the favourites? How does the new league format work? When does the knockout phase begin? And where will the final take place?

Here you can find an overview of all matches and odds for the new Conference League season.

The most important dates of the Conference League 2026/27

The Conference League will once again be played in the new league format this season. A total of 36 teams will take part in the league phase. Each team will play six matches against six different opponents.

How does the Conference League 2026/27 work?

Many fans are asking the question: “How does the Conference League 2026/27 work?”

The basic principle is now the same as in the Champions League and Europa League.

The format

• 36 teams in one combined league
• 6 matches per team
• 3 home matches
• 3 away matches
• No traditional groups

Who progresses?

• Places 1 to 8 → directly to the Round of 16
• Places 9 to 24 → knockout play-offs
• Places 25 to 36 → eliminated

This format ensures that every match is important from the very beginning and that the excitement remains high until the final matchday.

Who are the favourites to win the Conference League?

The Conference League is more strongly contested this season than it has been for a long time. Numerous established European clubs are part of the field and are likely to have major ambitions of winning the title.

Where will the 2027 Conference League final take place?

The 2026/27 Conference League final will take place on 2 June 2027 at Beşiktaş Park in Istanbul.

The modern arena is one of the best-known football stadiums in Turkey and has already hosted several major international events. Thanks to its location directly on the Bosphorus, it provides the perfect setting for one of the most important matches in European club football.

For all participants, the journey now begins with the goal of earning the opportunity to compete for a European title in Istanbul at the beginning of June 2027.

How can fans follow the Conference League?

In Austria, the Conference League 2026/27 will also be extensively broadcast on TV and via livestream.

Betting markets for the Conference League at MERKUR BETS

For sports betting fans, the Conference League offers numerous exciting betting opportunities throughout the season.

At MERKUR BETS Sports Betting, the following betting markets are available, among others:

• 1X2 match betting
• Double chance
• Over/Under goals
• Both teams to score
• Handicap betting
• Half-time/Full-time betting
• Outright betting on the Conference League winner
• Goalscorer bets
• Accumulator bets

The combination of well-known traditional clubs and European underdogs makes the Conference League particularly interesting for bettors.

In addition, customers at MERKUR BETS Austria can regularly benefit from attractive promotions, special football offers and selected odds boosts on exciting Conference League matches. This means there are always additional highlights throughout the season surrounding Europe’s third-largest club competition.