The UEFA Conference League is back, with 36 clubs competing for continental honours. The revised single-league table format introduced last season remains in place this year. Defending champions Chelsea will not return, having secured a place in the Champions League. Which clubs are likely to win this contest? Our Conference League 2025 League stage preview provides all the details.
The 2025/26 UEFA Conference League is the tournament’s fifth edition. After last season’s successful introduction of the expanded format, the structure returns for a second year. Bettors who wish to bet on the league stage 2025 UECL, can do so from October 2 to December 18. Knockout matches will commence on March 12 and run till the grand finale in Leipzig on May 27, 2026.
| ℹ️ Tournament: | UEFA Conference League Season 2025/26 |
| ⚽️ Venues: | Stadiums Across Europe |
| 🗓️ League Phase Dates: | 2 October 2025 – 18 December 2025 |
| 🗓️ 1st Round Play-off Dates: | 19-26 February 2026 |
| 🗓️ Knockout Stage Dates: | 12 March 2026 – 27 May 2026 |
The Conference League introduced a refreshed format last season, aligning with other UEFA tournaments. The most notable adjustment in the Conference league format explained involves the group stage, now reshaped into a 36-team league phase. Every team meets six opponents, playing three home matches and three away. The top eight sides qualify directly for the round of 16 stage.
Clubs finishing ninth through 24th must contest the knockout play-offs to progress to the next stage. From the last 16 onward, the competition follows a straightforward knockout path through to the final. Notably, the 2025/26 champions will secure a Europa League spot the following year.
Entry depends entirely on association club coefficient rankings, with no automatic qualification offered. All qualifying ties are contested across two legs, ensuring competitive balance. The 36 group participants comprise 24 Conference League play-off winners alongside 12 Europa League play-off losers.
Established in 2021, the UEFA Conference League is UEFA’s third-tier club competition. It ranks below the prestigious Champions League and the secondary Europa League. The tournament provides opportunities for more clubs across Europe to compete in a continental tournament. English teams lead with two titles, while Italy and Greece have one each. Chelsea are the current champions, having beaten Real Betis 4–1 in the 2025 final.
Chelsea are reigning champions, becoming the second English side to win the tournament from the competition’s four editions.
Before sharing our 25/26 UECL betting predictions, we’ll examine the outright odds provided by popular football betting websites for the five leading clubs in the tournament.
Crystal Palace experienced a remarkable 2024/25 campaign, achieving history under the leadership of Oliver Glasner. The Eagles secured their first major trophy with a stunning 1-0 win against Manchester City in the 2024/25 FA Cup Final. They also finished 12th in the English top flight last season, way ahead of Man United and Tottenham. Their winning mentality and team cohesion could inspire another push toward silverware next May. The latest odds for football by the best bookmakers see the Eagles as the most likely winner at 6.00 (5/1).
Fiorentina impressed again in the 2024/25 Serie A season, finishing sixth with 65 points. Their consistent domestic form, coupled with strong European campaigns, sets the stage for a Conference League title push. Last season, they reached the UECL semi-finals after two consecutive final appearances. This invaluable experience could fuel their ambition to secure their first UEFA Conference League title this campaign.
RC Strasbourg enjoyed a strong 2024/25 Ligue 1 campaign, finishing seventh with 57 points. Their impressive form earned them a UEFA Conference League play-off place for the 2025/26 season. Emanuel Emegha netted 14 league goals for the team last season and could be pivotal to their ambition in Europe. Backed by BlueCo’s ownership and transfer partnership with Chelsea, Strasbourg possesses the depth to mount a serious European challenge.
Rayo Vallecano secured eighth place in La Liga last season, earning a Conference League qualification spot. After successfully navigating the qualifiers, they will now join a European competition for the first time in 24 years. Recently, they impressed by holding La Liga champions Barcelona to a draw. With consistency and innovative fixture management, Rayo could emerge as genuine contenders this season.
Shakhtar Donetsk will compete in the Conference League this season after being knocked out by Panathinaikos in the Europa League qualifiers. Although now playing in a less prestigious tournament, they remain a potent force. Last season, they faced some of Europe’s most accomplished clubs in the Champions League. During that campaign, they showed their quality with victories over Brest and Young Boys, along with a draw against Bologna. As a regular fixture in the Champions League, they bring the experience and capability to make a deep run in this competition.
Here are our 2025/26 Conference League season predictions:
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The Premier League remains football’s most competitive league, and its clubs have dominated the Conference League with two titles already. Crystal Palace look ready to follow that trend after winning their first major trophy last season. They also eliminated Champions League quarterfinalists Aston Villa en route to that success. Oliver Glasner’s team started this campaign with a victory over Liverpool to win the Community Shield. Despite losing star man Eberechi Eze, the Eagles have more than enough quality to navigate through the league phase and win the title.
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AZ Alkmaar enters the UEFA Conference League as a proven European force from the strong Dutch championship. The team has already showcased depth and attacking quality in the qualifiers, with convincing aggregate wins that highlight both resilience and firepower. Their past European pedigree—reaching the 2023 semifinals—proves they can handle pressure at this level. With a balanced squad, strong home performances, and tactical adaptability, AZ stands out as one of the more seasoned and ambitious clubs in the competition. If they maintain consistency, they have both the experience and quality to lift the UECL trophy.
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Fiorentina has been the most consistent team in this tournament since its inception. They reached consecutive finals in 2022/23 and 2023/24 before falling in the 2024/25 semi-finals. Their domestic form reinforces that strength, as they finished sixth in Serie A with 65 points, above Lazio and AC Milan. They’ve hired Stefano Pioli, who guided AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2022. With his experience and team’s sustained quality, Fiorentina remains a strong contender to reach yet another final this season.
Here are our UECL 2025 League stage betting tips for this tournament:
Based on the pedigree of English teams in this tournament and sustained momentum, Crystal Palace is expected to win this title. Leverage our UECL 25/26 betting tips to wager on this competition and win cash prizes.
