Union Saint-Gilloise and Anderlecht learn Europa League opponents in 36-team draw

Brussels clubs drawn in Europa League

The draw for the 2026–2027 Europa League league phase took place in Monaco on Friday, setting the eight opponents for Belgian sides Union Saint-Gilloise and RSC Anderlecht. Both Brussels clubs will face French side Olympique Lyonnais. Union, who moved into the tournament after a Champions League third qualifying round defeat to Bodø/Glimt, will host Real Sociedad, Celtic, Lech Poznan, and Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Because UEFA rules prohibit European fixtures at the Joseph Marien Stadium, Union will play their home matches at OH Leuven's Den Dreef. For their away fixtures, Union will travel to Lyon, Viktoria Plzen, Celta Vigo, and Turkish club Besiktas.

Anderlecht fixtures and Conference League draw

Anderlecht, coached by Vitor Bruno, will host Lyon, Red Bull Salzburg, Sunderland, and Hoffenheim at Lotto Park. Their away schedule includes trips to Olympique Marseille, Dinamo Zagreb, Jagiellonia Bialystok, and OFI Crete. In the Conference League draw, Sint-Truiden and AA Gent received their six league phase fixtures. Sint-Truiden, coached by Frédéric De Meyer, dropped into the tournament after losing an Europa League play-off tie against Omonia Nicosia. Rik De Mil's Gent, who beat KRC Genk in Belgian play-offs and LNZ Cherkasy in qualifying, will host Red Star Belgrade, Brann, and Aarhus, while traveling to Braga, KuPS, and Thun.

Reactions from the Union Saint-Gilloise camp

Union Saint-Gilloise players and staff reacted to the draw results following the ceremony. Forward Kevin Rodriguez noted his interest in facing traditional continental heavyweights while setting expectations for the upcoming campaign.

If I could have chosen, I would have taken Juventus or Milan. But now we have to focus and try to go as far as possible. Union is a club that can afford to aim further than just the league phase.

Defender and captain Kevin Mac Allister welcomed matches against Besiktas, Celta Vigo, and Celtic, but voiced dissatisfaction with the automated draw presentation.

Pressing the button and seeing all the matches appear at once, I do not like that. You do not have time to react. And in addition, the screen was not very clear. You really need to look where Union is exactly.

Head coach David Hubert pointed out the pedigree of their upcoming opponents, noting that three of their scheduled visitors are reigning national champions.

We may not have drawn the biggest teams, but that does not mean the others are worth nothing. I expect good opponents. There are three champions in the draw. Beer-Sheva in Israel, Lech Poznan in Poland and Celtic in Scotland.

Competition schedule and knockout pathway

The 36-team single league format gives each club eight matches against eight distinct opponents, with four home games and four away games. The top eight teams in the unified table qualify directly for the round of 16, while teams ranking from 9th to 24th contest a two-legged play-off on 18 and 25 February 2027. Teams finishing 25th to 36th are eliminated. Matchday fixtures run from 16 September 2026 through 28 January 2027, with the final scheduled for 26 May 2027 at Frankfurt.