Though it is just over two months since Chelsea won the 2024/25 Conference League, the 2025/26 campaign is already off and running, with the qualifying phase into its second round.
The Blues will not be defending their crown, having also qualified for the Champions League, giving some so-called smaller clubs the chance again to lift a European trophy.
The Sporting News takes a look at the best odds and tips for this season's Europa Conference League.
Europa League 2025/26 winner odds, favourites and predictions
Odds for the new season's Europa Conference League are not available yet given qualifiers are still ongoing, but we can take a look at some of the expected favourites to lift the trophy.
Fiorentina
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride? It certainly feels like that for La Viola, who have lost five of their six European finals, including the 2022/23 and 2023/24 Conference League finals. Might it be third time lucky in 2025/26?
Crystal Palace
The Eagles qualified for the Europa League after winning the FA Cup, their first-ever major trophy. However due to co-ownership issues, they have been demoted to the Conference League. It felt unfair but it could give Oliver Glasner's men an even better chance of adding to their trophy cabinet.
Mainz
Bo Henriksen's side enjoyed a brilliant 2024/25 campaign, finishing sixth in the Bundesliga to qualify for the Europe for the first time in nine years. A deep run in the Conference League feels likely.
Rayo Vallecano
Regarded as the third side in Madrid, Vallecano upset the odds last season to finish eighth in La Liga, securing European qualification for the second time in their history. Can Inigo Perez and his side perform more magic?
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Europa Conference League 2025/26 round dates
- Play-offs: August, 21 & August, 28
- Group stage: October, 2 - December, 18
- Knockout phase play-offs: February, 19 & February, 26
- Round of 16: March, 12 & March, 19
- Quarter-finals: April, 9 & April, 16
- Semi-finals: April, 30 & May, 7
- Final: May, 27
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Who has won the Europa Conference League?
The third European competition was only added at the start of 2021/22, and has seen four different winners to date.
Jose Mourinho completed the European set with Roma in the first year, before West Ham had a night to remember in Prague in 2023.
Olympiacos became the first Greek side to win a European trophy in 2024, fittingly in Athens, while Chelsea became the first club to win every continental trophy in May of this year.
When and where is the Europa Conference League final 2025/26?
This season's Europa League final is due to take place on Wednesday, May 27.
The Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany will be the venue for the showpiece event.
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