The UEFA Europa League quarter-finals take place across two legs in April 2026, with the first matches kicking off on 8 and 9 April and the return fixtures on 16 April. Eight clubs remain in contention for European football’s second-tier trophy, including two English sides in Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. The ties promise compelling matchups across four countries, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
What Are the Europa League Quarter-Finals?
The quarter-finals represent the last-eight stage of the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League, the continent’s second most prestigious club competition behind the Champions League. This season’s competition adopted UEFA’s new Swiss-model league phase format, with 36 teams competing in a single table before the knockout rounds began. The eight quarter-finalists emerged through a knockout play-off round and a round of 16, and the ties are played over two legs on a home-and-away basis. The team with the higher aggregate score across both matches advances to the semi-finals, with extra time and penalties used if required.
When Are the Europa League Quarter-Finals?
The first legs take place on Wednesday 8 April and Thursday 9 April 2026. Braga host Real Betis at 17:45 GMT on Wednesday 8 April in the sole early fixture. The remaining three first legs, Bologna vs Aston Villa, Porto vs Nottingham Forest, and Freiburg vs Celta Vigo, all kick off at 20:00 GMT on Thursday 9 April. The second legs are all scheduled for Thursday 16 April, with Celta Vigo vs Freiburg at 17:45 GMT and Aston Villa vs Bologna, Nottingham Forest vs Porto, and Real Betis vs Braga at 20:00 GMT.
Where Are the Europa League Quarter-Finals?
Matches are played at the home stadiums of each club across both legs. First-leg venues include the Estádio Municipal de Braga in Portugal, Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna, Estádio do Dragão in Porto, and the Europa-Park Stadion in Freiburg. The second legs move to the Estadio Benito Villamarín in Seville, Villa Park in Birmingham, the City Ground in Nottingham, and the Abanca-Balaídos in Vigo.
Key Contenders
Aston Villa have been the standout performers in this season’s Europa League, winning seven of their eight league phase matches to finish second in the standings. Unai Emery, a four-time Europa League winner as a manager, has guided Villa to the quarter-finals for a third consecutive European campaign. They dispatched Lille 3-0 on aggregate in the round of 16 and face Bologna, who edged past Roma 5-4 on aggregate in an all-Italian affair.
Nottingham Forest reached the quarter-finals the hard way, requiring a penalty shootout to overcome FC Midtjylland after a 2-2 aggregate draw. They now face Porto, who were comfortable 4-1 aggregate winners against VfB Stuttgart. Celta Vigo impressed with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Lyon and meet Freiburg, while Real Betis take on Braga after both clubs progressed through their respective round of 16 ties. The defending champions are Tottenham Hotspur, who beat Manchester United 1-0 in the 2024-25 final in Bilbao but were eliminated earlier in this season’s competition.
How to Watch
In the United Kingdom, all Europa League matches are broadcast live on TNT Sports, available through Discovery+ (from £30.99 per month) or as an add-on to BT, EE, or Sky broadband packages. Selected matches are also available on Amazon Prime Video. In the United States, coverage is split between Paramount+ (English language) and DAZN (Spanish language), with CBS Sports Network carrying select free-to-air fixtures. In Australia, Stan Sport holds the broadcast rights, requiring a Stan subscription plus the sport add-on. In India and the wider subcontinent, Sony Sports Network provides exclusive coverage across TV and digital platforms.
History and Records
The UEFA Europa League, formerly the UEFA Cup, has been contested since 1971 when Tottenham Hotspur won the inaugural edition. Sevilla hold the record with seven titles, including a remarkable three consecutive wins from 2014 to 2016. Other notable multiple winners include Liverpool, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Atlético Madrid with three titles each. Tottenham claimed their third title last season with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at San Mamés in Bilbao, courtesy of a Brennan Johnson goal.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the quarter-final matches are sold through the official websites of each participating club. UEFA does not sell tickets directly for rounds prior to the final. Prices vary significantly by venue, with quarter-final tickets typically ranging from €30 to €150 depending on the stadium and seating category. Secondary marketplace platforms such as SeatPick and StubHub also list tickets, though fans are advised to purchase through official club channels where possible to avoid inflated prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Europa League quarter-finals start?
The first leg begins on Wednesday 8 April 2026, with Braga vs Real Betis kicking off at 17:45 GMT. The remaining first legs take place on Thursday 9 April at 20:00 GMT.
Where are the Europa League quarter-finals being held?
Matches are played at the home stadiums of each club across eight different venues in Portugal, Italy, Germany, Spain, and England.
How can I watch the Europa League quarter-finals?
In the UK, TNT Sports and Discovery+ carry all matches. In the US, Paramount+ and CBS Sports provide English-language coverage. Stan Sport broadcasts in Australia, and Sony Sports covers India.
Who won the Europa League last season?
Tottenham Hotspur won the 2024-25 Europa League, beating Manchester United 1-0 in the final at San Mamés in Bilbao on 21 May 2025.