- Brighton confirm UEFA Conference League play-off dates for August
- Jack Hinshelwood backs Seagulls for deep European run
- Monaco Ajax and Braga among potential European opponents
Brighton’s European adventure is set for another chapter after the club confirmed its place in next season’s UEFA Conference League following an eighth-placed Premier League finish.
Despite ending the domestic campaign with a disappointing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United, the Seagulls did enough to secure a return to continental competition for the second time in four seasons.
It marks another landmark moment for the south coast club, who previously featured in the Europa League during the 2023-24 campaign under former head coach Roberto De Zerbi. This time Brighton will enter Europe’s third-tier tournament with growing confidence and a squad eager to make another statement on the continental stage.
Brighton discover key European dates
The road to the league phase begins on August 3 when Brighton discover their play-off opponents in the Conference League draw.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side will then face a two-legged qualifier on August 20 and 27 with a place in the main competition at stake.
Should Albion progress they will return to the spotlight on August 28 for the league-phase draw.
Read more: On this day: The Brighton heartbreak Wembley still hasn’t forgotten
League phase schedule revealed
The league-phase fixtures will be played across October November and December before the knockout rounds begin early in 2027.
The dates for the league phase are:
- October 15
- October 22
- November 5
- November 26
- December 10
- December 17
The final is scheduled for June 2 2027 at Tüpraş Stadium in Istanbul.
Conference League dates confirmed for knockout stages
The knockout phase play-off draw will take place on January 15.
The play-off ties are scheduled for February 18 and February 25 while the round of 16 fixtures will be held on March 11 and March 18.
Quarter-finals are set for April 8 and April 15 before the semi-finals on April 29 and May 6.
Also read: Brighton season review: It’s time to put some respect on Fabian Hurzeler’s name
European heavyweights await Brighton
A number of established European names are expected to feature in the competition.
Brighton are likely to be among the seeded clubs alongside AS Monaco, Atalanta BC, SC Freiburg and Getafe CF.
Potential opponents could include AFC Ajax, SC Braga, FC Copenhagen and Panathinaikos FC.
Scottish clubs Hibernian FC and Motherwell FC are also expected to feature.
Hinshelwood targets deep European run
Midfielder Jack Hinshelwood admitted Brighton’s end to the season brought mixed emotions after narrowly missing out on the Europa League places.
Speaking after Brighton secured qualification for the UEFA Conference League, Hinshelwood said:
“You could see straight away how much it meant to the fans. If someone had offered us eighth place and European football after the Palace game then we would have taken it immediately.
“Of course there is disappointment because a couple more points would have taken us into the Europa League. But now we can really attack the Conference League with full ambition.”
The 20-year-old also backed Brighton to make a serious impact in Europe next season.
Discussing the club’s ambitions in the competition, Hinshelwood added:
“English clubs have shown over the last few years what is possible in this tournament and I believe we can go deep into it. Once we properly take it in I think we have a huge chance to go and do well.
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