Sunderland have been drawn against AC Milan in the Europa League, marking their return to European competition after more than five decades. The draw for the 2026/27 league phase was conducted on Friday, August 28, as reported by BBC Sport Football, setting the Black Cats' path for their first continental campaign since the 1973-74 Cup Winners' Cup.
Sunderland qualified for the Europa League by finishing seventh in the Premier League last season. They will play eight matches in the new league phase format, with four at the Stadium of Light and four on the road. Their home fixtures are against AZ Alkmaar, GNK Dinamo Zagreb, Jagiellonia Bialystok, and Levski Sofia. The away trips include a historic visit to the San Siro to face seven-time European champions AC Milan, alongside games at Anderlecht, Lech Poznan, and Torreense.
What does Sunderland's Europa League group look like?
The draw presents a fascinating mix of European pedigree and novelty. AC Milan are the standout opponents, a club with a storied history that includes seven European Cup and Champions League titles. Anderlecht, former UEFA Cup winners, offer another stern test of Belgian quality. The away trip to Torreense is unique, as the Portuguese second-division side qualified by winning the Taça de Portugal in May, defeating Sporting CP. Their home stadium in Torres Vedras holds only 2,500 and doesn't meet UEFA standards, so they will host Sunderland at the Estadio Algarve in Faro, nearly 200 miles from their hometown.
This European adventure comes as Sunderland look to build momentum in the early part of the season. They currently sit 13th in the Premier League with 0 points from one game, having lost their opener. Their standings show a -1 goal difference, with 1 scored and 2 conceded, leaving them three points behind early leaders Brighton. Their next match is a crucial home fixture against Fulham on August 30, a game you can find on our fixtures page.
Which other Premier League clubs are in the Europa League?
Sunderland are not the only English side embarking on a European journey. Bournemouth, who finished sixth last term, are in the competition for the first time in their history. They will also face AC Milan, but at home, alongside Viktoria Plzen, Sturm Graz, and Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Their away matches include trips to Real Sociedad, Celta Vigo, Sparta Prague, and Norwegian Cup winners Lillestrom.
Crystal Palace earned their place by winning last season's UEFA Conference League, though this is their Europa League debut. Their manager, Frenchman Pierre Sage, will make an emotional return to his former club Lyon in one of their away games. Palace's other opponents include Salzburg, Jagiellonia, Besiktas, Real Sociedad, Sparta Prague, Lech Poznan, and Hoffenheim.
How does the new league phase work?
The 2026/27 season introduces a single league phase, replacing the traditional group stage. Each team, including Sunderland, plays eight matches against eight different opponents. Four are at home and four are away. The top 24 teams after these eight games advance directly to the knockout round of 32. Teams finishing 25th to 32nd enter a playoff round. This format guarantees more variety in fixtures and reduces the number of repetitive matchups from previous years.
For Sunderland, the focus must now quickly shift between domestic and European commitments. The draw delivers glamour, history, and logistical challenges in equal measure. Managing the squad across two demanding competitions will be key, especially as they seek to improve their early Premier League form. The club's squad depth will be tested immediately with the schedule now taking shape. Their European return begins with a daunting but iconic trip to Milan, a fixture that underscores how far the club has come.
