The UEFA Conference League enters its 2026-27 edition through the qualifying rounds, with the first qualifying round starting in July and a wide range of clubs chasing places in the league phase.
Competition rules make the qualifiers especially important because all 36 league-phase teams come through the qualifying route.
The first qualifying round is played over two legs, giving clubs room to recover while also making small details crucial.
The opening rounds are expected to produce balanced ties, particularly between clubs used to early-season European qualifying pressure.