The Europa League league phase begins on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, with a full programme of matches across Europe.
Among the opening-day highlights is a meeting between AC Milan and SL Benfica at San Siro, while Olympique Lyonnais face a difficult away assignment against RSC Anderlecht.
With the competition now played under a league-phase format, all the clubs will be aiming to make a strong start and secure an early position near the top of the single standings.
Bayer Leverkusen welcome NK Celje, while Sturm Graz host Stade Rennais in another closely matched contest. Sunderland AFC take on AZ Alkmaar, with further fixtures involving Olympiakos, Jagiellonia Bia?ystok, Hapoel Beer-Sheva and Dinamo Zagreb.
The opening games are spread across two kick-off times, with two matches starting at 16:45 GMT before the remaining fixtures begin at 19:00 GMT.
Europa League fixtures – Wednesday, 16 September 2026 All times GMT
16:45 GMT Omonia Nicosie v Celta Vigo FC Ararat-Armenia v Sparta Prague
19:00 GMT AC Milan v SL Benfica RSC Anderlecht v Olympique Lyonnais Bayer Leverkusen v NK Celje Sturm Graz v Stade Rennais Sunderland AFC v AZ Alkmaar Olympiakos v Jagiellonia Bia?ystok Hapoel Beer-Sheva v Dinamo Zagreb