COMPETITION EXPLAINED
The Conference League
In a nutshell
- The UEFA Conference League is European football's third-tier club competition, created in 2021/22. It gives clubs that wouldn't normally play in Europe a chance to compete at continental level. Chelsea won the first ever Conference League in 2021.
How It Works
League phase of 36 teams playing 6 matches each. Top 8 go straight to the Round of 16. Teams finishing 9th-24th play knock-out play-offs. A shorter route than The Champions League and Europa League but still involves clubs from across Europe.
How English Clubs Qualify
From England: the 8th-placed Premier League team qualifies. Also: if The Conference League winners are already in European football via their league position, the spot cascades down to 9th place.
English Clubs in 2025/26
Crystal Palace reached the 2025/26 Conference League final, facing Rayo Vallecano on 27 May 2026. This was their first ever European final.
Famous History
English Conference League winners: Chelsea (inaugural 2021/22 winners), West Ham (2022/23). Crystal Palace in the 2025/26 final.
How to Watch in the UK
TNT Sports.
