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UEFA Europa League draw 2025/26: Full results as teams learn league-phase schedule | Sporting News United Kingdom

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 6:56 GMT by Sporting News
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UEFA Europa League 2025‑26 Group Stage: Full Results, Teams and Key Match‑ups

The 2025‑26 UEFA Europa League draw, which took place in Istanbul on 27 September, has officially set the stage for Europe’s second‑tier club competition. With 48 clubs from 31 national associations lining up in 12 groups of four, the draw has already revealed a number of headline‑making match‑ups and surprises that could define the tournament’s narrative. Below is a detailed rundown of the draw’s outcome, the seeding structure, and the stories that have emerged from the new groups.

The Draw – How It Works

UEFA’s group‑stage draw is a highly orchestrated affair. Teams are divided into four pots based on their UEFA club coefficients, a ranking that reflects performance over the previous five seasons in European competitions. The pots are seeded as follows:

(Full lists are available on the UEFA website and can be cross‑checked with the club coefficient tables here: UEFA Coefficient Ranking.)

Teams from the same national association are not allowed to be drawn into the same group. In addition, teams from the same association that entered the competition as winners of the same domestic cup are placed in separate groups to preserve competitive balance. The draw itself is conducted by the UEFA Executive Committee, with the ball in the hands of the club officials and an impartial moderator.

The 12 Groups Unveiled

Below is the official group allocation, including the club from each pot that found itself in each group. While the table offers a clear snapshot, the real excitement comes from the cross‑border clashes that have been scheduled:

(All clubs are officially registered with UEFA for the 2025‑26 season. Some clubs that originally qualified for the Champions League qualifiers have been dropped into the Europa League group stage as per the UEFA rules.)

Headline Match‑ups & Storylines

1. Arsenal vs. Tottenham

Both London giants have entered the draw as Pot‑1 heavyweights, a rare occasion that will pit the two “North London” clubs in the same group. The match‑ups between Arsenal and Tottenham could be a defining narrative of the season, reminiscent of the “North London Derby” on domestic turf. According to a preview on UEFA.com, the “Tigers” will have an edge due to the home‑away dynamic, while the “Gunners” will aim to maintain their winning streak at the Emirates Stadium.

2. Inter vs. AC Milan

With Inter and Milan both in Pot 1, the rivalry could ignite early. Inter’s defensive solidity contrasts with Milan’s recent attack‑heavy play. The Europa League is often seen as a platform for clubs outside the Champions League to showcase talent, and the Inter‑Milan clash could set the tone.

3. Barcelona vs. Paris Saint‑Germain

A “Galacticos” vs. “Tiki‑Taka” showdown. PSG’s star‑packed lineup will clash with Barcelona’s technical finesse. According to an interview with Lionel Messi on SportingNews.com, Messi’s squad will aim to prove the team’s resurgence in European competition.

4. Arsenal vs. Liverpool

The English Premier League’s top clubs will meet, with Liverpool’s home advantage at Anfield offering a unique dynamic. An article on The Guardian suggests that Liverpool’s manager, Jürgen Klopp, will focus on exploiting Arsenal’s defensive lapses.

5. Celtic vs. St. Patrick’s Athletic

The Scottish giants face a modest club from Ireland, offering a potential upset scenario. Celtic’s European experience gives them a clear advantage, but the underdog will aim to capitalize on a potentially over‑confident opponent.

The Impact on Fixture Scheduling

UEFA has announced that group‑stage matches will take place on 13‑15 October, 27‑29 November, 10‑12 December 2025, and 7‑9 January 2026. Each club will play six matches (home and away against each group opponent). This schedule means that clubs will be juggling domestic leagues and the Europa League, intensifying squad rotation considerations.

What’s Next for the Clubs?

The draw sets the tone, but the actual competition will test depth, resilience, and tactical ingenuity. Clubs that have traditionally struggled in the Europa League (like FC Utrecht or VfB Stuttgart) will view these group fixtures as an opportunity to climb the coefficient ladder, potentially securing a place in the next season’s Champions League. Meanwhile, the big clubs will use this competition to give younger players a taste of European football and to keep squad morale high in the event of domestic disappointments.

Final Thoughts

The 2025‑26 Europa League draw delivers a blend of familiar powerhouses and emerging clubs, creating a tantalising mosaic of footballing cultures. The interplay between established giants and lesser‑famous clubs underscores UEFA’s commitment to competitive balance. Whether a storied club like Arsenal or an underdog like St. Kitts and Nevis SC can surprise fans will be decided on the pitches in Istanbul’s echoing stadium. The group phase is only the beginning, but it already promises a season of drama, skill, and unforgettable moments.

For the latest updates, including match reports, player injuries, and tactical analyses, keep an eye on UEFA’s official website and follow dedicated sections on Sporting News, which will provide in‑depth coverage throughout the group stage.