Europa League Knockout Phase Draw: How to Watch and What to Expect

Europa League knockout phase excitement is building as fans across Europe and beyond prepare for the 2025-26 play-off round draw. With high-profile clubs like Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Celtic, Fenerbahce, Ferencvaros, and Panathinaikos in contention, anticipation is at an all-time high. Here’s your comprehensive guide to catching every moment of the Europa League knockout phase play-off draw, including streaming options, seeding details, and insights into how the process unfolds.

How to Watch the Europa League Knockout Phase Draw Live

Football fans won’t want to miss a second of the Europa League knockout phase draw. In the UK, the official TNT Sports Football YouTube channel provides a free, high-quality live stream, allowing viewers to follow every twist and turn as the playoff ties are determined. If you’re seeking more official coverage, UEFA’s own platforms—uefa.com and the UEFA Europa League mobile app—also offer live streaming.

For fans in the United States, tuning in is just as easy. Paramount+, UEFA’s official broadcast partner for the U.S.A., will air the draw live. A Paramount+ subscription is all you need to witness the next chapter in this storied competition unfold from across the Atlantic.

Europa League Draw Schedule

The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw will be conducted on January 30, 2026. For UK fans, the action begins at 12 noon GMT, while U.S. viewers can tune in at 7am ET. This draw will follow directly after the Champions League knockout phase play-off draw, which starts an hour earlier.

• Date: January 30, 2026
• Time: 12 noon GMT / 7am ET
• Live Stream: Paramount+ (USA), TNT Sports (UK), UEFA.com

Europa League Knockout Phase Seeding Explained

Seeding is a crucial element of the Europa League knockout phase. Teams are divided into “seeded” and “unseeded” categories, based on league performance and group stage results. This separation is designed to ensure a balanced and competitive draw, reducing the likelihood of early matchups between the strongest clubs.

• Seeded Teams: Genk, Bologna, Stuttgart, Ferencvaros, Nottingham Forest, Viktoria Plzen, Red Star, Celta Vigo
• Unseeded Teams: PAOK, Lille, Fenerbahce, Panathinaikos, Celtic, Ludogorets, GNK Dinamo, Brann

The draw pairs each seeded team with an unseeded counterpart, with the matchups determined randomly but within these constraints. For instance, if Genk is drawn against Brann, Bologna would be paired with GNK Dinamo, and so on. This format generates unpredictable and thrilling ties, keeping fans guessing until the last moment.

Potential Play-off Matchups

– Genk or Bologna vs GNK Dinamo or Brann
– Stuttgart or Ferencvaros vs Celtic or Ludogorets
– Nottingham Forest or Viktoria Plzen vs Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos
– Red Star or Celta Vigo vs PAOK or Lille

These potential pairings set the stage for captivating fixtures, pitting emerging squads against experienced sides with European pedigree.

Europa League Knockout Phase Bracket for 2025-26

To aid fans in visualizing the road to the Europa League final, UEFA has released a detailed bracket image outlining every stage of the knockout phase. This bracket clearly maps out the journey each club could take from the play-off round to the ultimate showdown for the trophy. Be sure to consult UEFA’s official resources for a full look at how your team’s path could unfold.

Why the Draw Matters

The Europa League knockout phase draw is more than just a procedural event—it is the launchpad for dramatic encounters and unforgettable moments. Rivalries are renewed, underdogs get their chance to shine, and giants of Europe must prove their mettle. Fans, players, and clubs all watch with bated breath to see who they will face next, knowing that the outcome of this draw can define their season.

Where to Find the Latest Europa League News

Stay updated with all the latest developments in the Europa League, from draw results and fixture details to in-depth match analysis. Visit for more news and comprehensive football coverage.

Opinion: Why the Europa League Knockout Phase Draw Is Unmissable

The Europa League knockout phase draw is a standout event for any football enthusiast. It offers a blend of unpredictability and excitement as clubs discover their next opponents and fans begin to dream of a deep run in Europe. With the tournament often producing gripping stories and surprise contenders, the play-off round can be a turning point for clubs aiming to make history. Watching the draw live adds an extra layer of connection for supporters, making the journey to the final even more thrilling.