Overview
- UEFA completed the draws in Nyon on Wednesday, producing confirmed early ties such as The New Saints v Sabah in the first qualifying round and Heart of Midlothian v Sturm Graz and Fenerbahce v Gornik Zabrze in the second qualifying round.
- Shamrock Rovers were confirmed as a seeded entrant in the Champions League first qualifying round and will face one of seven named opponents with two wins offering at least a place in the Europa or Conference pathway to the 36-team league phase.
- Irish clubs’ positions were clarified: Derry City enter the Europa League first round with a guaranteed safety net into the Conference qualifying if they lose, Bohemians start in the Conference first qualifying round, Shelbourne enter at the second round and Athlone Town’s women’s opponents will be revealed later.
- The qualifying phase uses separate Champions Path and League Path brackets, two-legged ties with first-leg dates in early July and second-round legs on July 21–29, and losing teams drop into lower UEFA competitions under set rules that preserve revenue opportunities.
- The draw has immediate operational consequences for clubs, including long away trips and stadium readiness — for example Sturm Graz confirmed their Liebenau ground will be available — and advancing through these rounds carries sharply higher prize money and commercial rewards.