Just days into October, the UEFA Conference League has dropped its full slate of league phase fixtures for the 2025/26 season, stirring up plenty of buzz among Europe's mid-tier clubs hungry for European glory. This comes right on the heels of the draw held last week, setting the stage for what promises to be a grueling yet opportunity-rich campaign. Indeed, with the competition now firmly in its stride under a revamped structure, teams from across the continent are gearing up for matches that could redefine their seasons.
The new format, featuring a 36-team league phase, ditches the old group stage entirely—no more straightforward paths to the knockout rounds. Instead, every club plays eight games, four at home and four away, against opponents drawn from four pots based on coefficients. It's a bold move by UEFA, aiming to pack more drama into the schedule, though some critics quietly grumble about the added travel burdens on smaller squads. Fixtures kick off properly in mid-October, with early highlights including clashes like Legia Warsaw hosting Vikingur Reykjavik and Real Betis facing off against Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Moreover, the calendar stretches through to April, culminating in the final at Leipzig's Red Bull Arena on May 28—a neutral venue that's already drawing travel plans from hopeful fans.
However, not all is straightforward this year. Chelsea, fresh off their triumphant 2024/25 win, won't be defending their title directly here; their Champions League spot via the Premier League pulls them up the ladder, leaving the Conference League's automatic Europa League berth open for grabs. That vacancy injects fresh intrigue, especially as domestic champions and cup winners from 55 associations vie for spots. Standings will update rapidly once action begins, but early predictions favor teams like Fiorentina or PAOK to make waves, given their recent form.
Indeed, the league phase's blind draw system means surprises are baked in—underdogs could upset the odds early. As matches unfold across diverse leagues, one can't help but ponder how this expanded format might unearth the next big European story.