The curtain has lifted on the 2025–26 UEFA Conference League as the league-phase draw unfolded on August 29, 2025, at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.
The recently revamped format introduces a 36-team league phase, where each club contests six matches against opponents drawn across six different pots.
Success in the league phase could propel teams directly into the Round of 16 or through a knockout playoff, setting the stage for a riveting European campaign.
Clubs from the British and Ireland: Draw analysis
England – Crystal Palace
As the sole English representative, Crystal Palace enters the league phase from Pot 2, ensuring a tough but high-profile campaign.
Ireland – Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers
Shelbourne, making their debut in a major UEFA league phase, will be eager to impress as they join the likes of Crystal Palace in the long list of 36 participants.
Shamrock Rovers return to the mix after a strong run last season.
Their group stage opponents promise intriguing matchups:
- Shelbourne: drawn against Crystal Palace, AZ Alkmaar, plus Drita (Kosovo), Häcken (Sweden), Celje (Slovenia), and Shkëndija (North Macedonia). Expect attention-grabbing games, including a headline clash with Palace likely to be staged at Dublin’s Tallaght Stadium.
- Shamrock Rovers: face Shakhtar Donetsk, Celje, Hamrun Spartans, and away trips to Sparta Prague, AEK Athens, and Breiðablik.
Scotland – Aberdeen
Aberdeen join from Pot 4 and find themselves in a challenging group.
Their opponents: Shakhtar Donetsk, Sparta Prague, Strasbourg, AEK Athens, Noah, and AEK Larnaca—a bona fide “group of death” that tests depth and ambition.
Who are the favourites?
Current outright winner markets favor the following:
- Crystal Palace: +500 (5/1)
- Fiorentina: +550 (11/2)
- Strasbourg: +750
- Rayo Vallecano: +950
These markets place Crystal Palace as the standout among British and Irish clubs in terms of title aspirations.
Last season’s recap
The 2024–25 season concluded with Chelsea defeating Real Betis 4–1 in the final at Wrocław Stadium, becoming the first club to complete the set of European trophies.
- Final Score: Chelsea 4–1 Real Betis
- MVP: Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
- Competition Format: First season under the new 36-team league phase, expanding from 141 to 153 matches and removing transfers from Europa League into Conference League knockout rounds.
Conclusion
The 2025–26 UEFA Conference League is set to deliver a compelling mix of underdog stories and serious contenders.
From Crystal Palace’s top billing to Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers representing Ireland with appetite, and Aberdeen bracing for a formidable group, the stage is set.
With Crystal Palace emerging as the betting favourite and talents like Harry Wood carrying the hopes of fans, this season promises drama and discovery.
Will Chelsea’s legacy inspire new champions? Can Ireland’s clubs create their own European footprints? And can Scotland’s Aberdeen defy the odds? One thing’s for sure … European nights are back, in full colour.
