On the back of a thoroughly memorable 2024/25, this has the makings of being another exciting season for Nottingham Forest.
The Reds will want to mix it with the Premier League big boys once again after finishing seventh last time around. They are also preparing to compete in Europe for the first time in three decades and will have their sights set on holding their own on the international stage.
Anticipation for Forest’s continental adventure is about to step up a notch. Reds fans will soon be able to start plotting their trips abroad and planning for some big nights under the City Ground lights.
The draw for the league phase of the UEFA Europa League will take place later this week, with Forest in the mix. Ahead of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side finding out their opponents in the competition, below is a look at everything you need to know about the tournament and the draw.
When will the draw take place?
The draw for the league phase of the Europa League will take place in Monaco on Friday (August 29). Proceedings are scheduled to kick off at noon (BST).
The league phase of the tournament will see 36 teams split into four pots based on European coefficient ranking. Teams will be drawn manually, using physical balls, before an automated software system will determine each side’s eight opponents.
Each club will face two teams from each pot, with one of each fixture being played home and away. Teams from the same country will not be drawn against each other - so Forest and Aston Villa will be kept apart - and each side can only play teams from the same country twice.
The Reds are yet to be placed into a pot. This will be confirmed ahead of the draw.
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Teams involved
Thirteen teams have qualified directly for the league phase of the competition. The 13 clubs to have qualified directly are: Forest, Villa (England); Bologna, Roma (Italy); Real Betis, Celta (Spain); Stuttgart, Freiburg (Germany); Lille, Lyon (France); Go Ahead Eagles (Netherlands); Porto (Portugal); GNK Dinamo (Croatia).
A further 12 sides will secure their places through qualifying. The line-up will be completed by 11 clubs transferring from the Champions League.
Key dates
League phase matches…
Matchday 1: 24/25 September
Matchday 2: 2 October
Matchday 3: 23 October
Matchday 4: 6 November
Matchday 5: 27 November
Matchday 6: 11 December
Matchday 7: 22 January 2026
Matchday 8: 29 January 2026
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Knockout matches…
Knockout phase play-offs: 19/26 February 2026
Round of 16: 12/19 March 2026
Quarter-finals: 9/16 April 2026
Semi-finals: 30 April/7 May 2026
Final: 20 May 2026
Draw dates…
League phase: 29 August
Knockout phase play-offs: 30 January 2026
Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final: 27 February 2026
The final
Will Forest be in the running for silverware on their return to the international stage? They will certainly hope to be there when the final takes place next year at Istanbul’s Besiktas Park on Wednesday, 20 May.
The winners will gain a place in the league phase of the 2026/27 Champions League, if they have not qualified via their domestic competition. They will also have the opportunity to take on this season’s Champions League victors in the 2027 UEFA Super Cup.
How will Forest fare in the Europa League? Click HERE to have your say