UEFA Conference League: Knockout Play-Off Results and Round of 16 Draw Preparations
London, 26 February 2026 – The UEFA Conference League knockout phase play-offs concluded tonight, determining which clubs will join the pre-qualified league phase leaders in the next stage of the competition. As the third tier of European club football, the tournament continues to provide high-stakes drama for established sides and emerging clubs alike. Attention now turns to Nyon, Switzerland, where the Round of 16 draw is scheduled to take place this Friday.
Matchday Review: Crystal Palace Held in Mostar
Premier League representatives Crystal Palace faced a challenging evening in Bosnia and Herzegovina, securing a 1-1 draw against Zrinjski Mostar. Ismaïla Sarr provided the breakthrough for the Eagles with a clinical finish, but the lead was cancelled out by Karlo Abramovic. The result leaves the tie finely balanced, though pressure continues to mount on head coach Oliver Glasner following a string of inconsistent performances in domestic and continental play.
Elsewhere in the play-offs, Italian side Fiorentina hosted Jagiellonia Białystok, defending a comfortable three-goal margin from the first leg. Meanwhile, Chelsea remains a significant favourite in the competition, with recent reports indicating the London club is progressing steadily toward the latter stages as they seek to add the Conference League trophy to their extensive European honours.
The UEFA Conference League Trophy
The winner of the 2025/26 competition will be awarded the official UEFA Conference League trophy. Beyond the silverware, the champions earn a prestigious prize: automatic qualification for the league phase of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Height | 57.5 cm |
| Weight | 11 kg |
| Tier | Third-tier European competition |
| Reward | 2026/27 Europa League Qualification |
Tournament Format and Regulations
The 2025/26 season utilises the updated 36-team league stage format. Under the new knockout rules, teams that finished higher in the initial league phase are granted a strategic advantage. The top eight teams from the league phase bypassed the current play-off round and will be seeded for the Round of 16 draw. Winning clubs are permitted to keep a full-size replica trophy, while the original remains in UEFA’s permanent possession.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Round of 16 draw?
The draw for the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 is scheduled to take place on Friday, 27 February 2026, in Nyon, Switzerland.
What happens if a team wins the Conference League?
The winning club receives the trophy, winners’ medals, and a guaranteed spot in the following season’s UEFA Europa League league phase.
Where can I watch the matches in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, the UEFA Conference League is broadcast on TNT Sports, which is available via discovery+ and through various television providers.