Top 10 Favorites to Win the UEFA Europa Conference League 2025/2026

Top 10 Favorites to Win the UEFA Europa Conference League 2025/2026 takes you deep into the emerging battles for Europe’s third-tier crown. This detailed preview examines clubs across the continent who are gearing up for a serious shot at European silverware. From rising domestic forces to traditional giants seeking redemption, this guide showcases the teams with the quality, depth, and motivation to go all the way in the 2025/26 Conference League. Each club is analyzed based on form, squad strength, European experience, and summer transfer activity.

Whether it’s an underdog story or a comeback campaign, the Top 10 Favorites to Win the UEFA Europa Conference League 2025/2026 brings you insights that matter. Which club will surprise the continent? Who are the tactical masterminds shaping success from the sidelines? And which fanbases are dreaming big? With the competition heating up and fresh narratives unfolding, this is your essential roadmap to the most competitive and unpredictable tournament in European football. Get ready for drama, goals, and glory—because the Conference League has never been more exciting. Dive in and discover who’s ready to conquer Europe’s newest and fastest-growing battlefield.

10. SK Rapid Wien (Austria)

SK Rapid Wien enters the 2025/2026 UEFA Europa Conference League season with high hopes after a promising campaign last year. Though they were eliminated in the quarter-finals, their spirited displays against stronger opponents proved their capacity to punch above their weight. The Austrian side showcased disciplined defending, quick counters, and a no-nonsense mentality that helped them edge past group rivals and make an unexpected run.

At home, Rapid benefits greatly from the intense atmosphere at the Allianz Stadion, where supporters create an intimidating environment for visiting teams. Their style—marked by compact formations and well-drilled pressing—suits the gritty nature of knockout football. Led by a coach who values structure and energy, they are building a team that’s more than capable of outlasting flashy but inconsistent opponents.

The team’s success will largely depend on the form of their young midfielders and whether they can consistently convert chances. Their defense has proven reliable, but scoring goals—especially away—remains a challenge. However, if Rapid can build momentum in the group stage and draw a favorable path through the knockouts, they could easily replicate or surpass last season’s heroics. Underdogs on paper, but potential disruptors in practice, SK Rapid Wien deserves respect this season.

9. FC Copenhagen (Denmark)

FC Copenhagen stands out as one of Scandinavia’s most consistent performers in European football, and they enter the 2025/26 UEFA Europa Conference League with serious ambitions. The Danish giants have built a reputation for tactical discipline, solid defense, and a well-organized midfield. In the 2024/25 season, Copenhagen advanced to the Round of 16, where they were narrowly eliminated by Chelsea, the eventual champions. Their experience competing against top-level European sides adds valuable know-how heading into the new campaign.

One of Copenhagen’s greatest strengths is their ability to control games through a composed midfield and effective ball retention. The team’s tactical balance allows them to adapt to various opponents, switching between possession-based and counter-attacking styles as needed. This versatility makes them difficult to break down in knockout ties.

Domestically, Copenhagen continue to dominate the Danish Superliga, ensuring their players remain match-fit and competitive. Their home ground, Parken Stadium, often becomes a fortress, providing a crucial advantage during two-legged ties. While they lack some of the star power seen in bigger leagues, Copenhagen’s collective work ethic, experience, and tactical flexibility position them as serious contenders who can make a deep run in the tournament.

8. K.A.A. Gent (Belgium)

K.A.A. Gent has quietly established itself as a resilient and competitive force in European football, especially within the UEFA Europa Conference League. During the 2024/25 season, Gent performed admirably by navigating through the group stages unbeaten before narrowly losing to Real Betis in the knockout phase. This solid performance underscores their tactical discipline and ability to compete against stronger and more renowned clubs across the continent.

Gent’s strength lies in their organized defensive shape and their ability to effectively use wide areas to create scoring opportunities. Their squad, a blend of experienced internationals and promising young talents, allows for tactical flexibility and adaptability in various game scenarios. The club’s focus on youth development and strong scouting ensures a steady influx of skilled players ready to compete at the European level.

In domestic competition, Gent remains a regular contender in Belgium’s top flight, securing European qualification consistently. Their exposure to high-pressure matches in the Belgian Pro League helps prepare them well for the challenges of the Conference League’s knockout stages. If Gent can maintain their defensive solidity and sharpen their finishing in front of goal, they have every chance to progress deeper into the tournament and potentially challenge for the title.

7. Djurgårdens IF (Sweden)

Djurgårdens IF made headlines during the 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League by defying expectations and reaching the semi-finals. Their run was marked by aggressive pressing, fast transitions, and tactical flexibility, enabling them to outmaneuver and outwork more established European teams. Although their journey ended against Chelsea, their performances signaled a club on the rise with growing continental ambitions.

The Swedish side relies heavily on a core group of disciplined, hardworking players who embody the club’s ethos of resilience and unity. Their ability to adapt formation and style to counter specific opponents has been a key to their success, switching effectively between a compact defensive shape and a more expansive attacking approach. This versatility is crucial in knockout football, where tactics often dictate outcomes.

Djurgårdens’ squad combines homegrown talent with strategic signings that add both quality and depth. Their physical fitness and high-energy style allow them to press opponents relentlessly and maintain intensity late into matches. With further improvements in squad depth and finishing, Djurgårdens IF looks well-equipped to challenge for the title again in the 2025/26 season, carrying the hopes of Swedish football enthusiasts.

6. Fiorentina (Italy)

Fiorentina has become synonymous with resilience and ambition in the UEFA Europa Conference League, reaching three consecutive finals or semi-finals in recent seasons. Despite falling just short of glory, their consistent presence deep into the competition highlights a club that combines Italian tactical discipline with technical flair. The 2024/25 season saw them reach the semi-finals, narrowly missing out on another final appearance.

The team is anchored by a solid defense known for its organization and aerial strength, complemented by creative midfielders capable of unlocking tight defenses. Fiorentina’s blend of youth and experience allows them to control the tempo and pace of games, adapting to the demands of high-stakes European football. Their coach’s emphasis on tactical maturity has enabled the team to navigate knockout rounds with strategic precision.

Serie A’s competitive nature ensures Fiorentina’s squad is battle-hardened and ready for physical and tactical challenges. Their home ground, the Stadio Artemio Franchi, often energizes the team, giving them a psychological advantage in two-legged ties. If Fiorentina can maintain consistency and address minor defensive lapses that have cost them in crucial moments, they are poised to finally claim the coveted Conference League trophy in the 2025/26 campaign.

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5. Real Betis (Spain)

Real Betis enjoyed a breakthrough in the 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League, reaching their first-ever European final. Under the experienced guidance of Manuel Pellegrini, Betis showcased a blend of attractive attacking football and disciplined defensive structure. Their exciting journey captivated fans across Spain and Europe, although they ultimately fell short against Chelsea in the final.

Betis’ playing style is characterized by creative midfield maestros and dynamic wingers who consistently threaten opposition defenses. The team’s ability to control possession and generate scoring opportunities makes them a formidable opponent in knockout competitions. Their squad depth and tactical flexibility also allow them to adjust their approach based on their opponents, switching between possession-based and counter-attacking strategies.

In La Liga, Betis consistently challenge for European qualification spots, providing their players with high-level competition week in and week out. Their home stadium, Benito Villamarín, offers an electric atmosphere that can intimidate visiting teams and boost player confidence. As they build on the experience gained last season, Real Betis aims to return stronger and is poised to be a serious contender for the UEFA Europa Conference League title in the 2025/26 season.

4. Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany)

Eintracht Frankfurt has carved out a reputation as one of Germany’s most passionate and determined clubs, especially in European competitions. Their memorable triumph in the 2021 UEFA Europa League showcased their ability to compete at the highest level. Although they narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification in the 2024/25 Bundesliga season, Frankfurt is expected to return to the UEFA Europa Conference League with renewed ambition.

Known for their aggressive pressing and physical style of play, Eintracht combines youthful energy with experienced leadership. Their squad boasts a balanced mix of strong defenders, creative midfielders, and clinical attackers, allowing them to adapt to different match situations. The team’s tactical flexibility and mental toughness have seen them thrive in knockout rounds, making them dangerous opponents in any European tie.

The club enjoys fervent support from its fans at the Deutsche Bank Park, whose unwavering enthusiasm turns home matches into cauldrons of pressure for visiting teams. With solid domestic performances maintaining their competitive edge and a clear focus on European success, Eintracht Frankfurt is well-positioned to challenge for the Europa Conference League title in 2025/26.

3. Nottingham Forest (England)

Nottingham Forest’s return to European competition after a long absence brings excitement and optimism to their loyal fanbase. Historically renowned as two-time European Cup winners, Forest aims to rekindle their continental glory in the 2025/26 UEFA Europa Conference League. After securing a strong finish in the 2024/25 Premier League, Forest qualified for Europe through a blend of tactical discipline and exciting attacking play.

Their squad boasts young talents like Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga, whose pace and creativity pose constant threats to opponents. Managed by a coach focused on aggressive pressing and high-tempo football, Forest is well-equipped to compete physically and tactically on the European stage. Their ability to transition quickly from defense to attack makes them especially dangerous in two-legged knockout ties.

The City Ground, known for its passionate and vocal supporters, provides a fortress-like atmosphere that can intimidate visiting teams. While lacking recent European experience, Forest’s blend of ambition, youthful energy, and tactical awareness makes them a genuine contender. If they maintain consistency and avoid injuries, Nottingham Forest could mount a deep run and potentially claim the Conference League trophy in the upcoming season.

2. Villarreal CF (Spain)

Villarreal CF enters the 2025/26 UEFA Europa Conference League campaign with a rich history of European success and a strong desire to add another trophy to their cabinet. Known as the “Yellow Submarine,” Villarreal has previously won the UEFA Europa League in 2021 and made an impressive run to the Champions League semi-finals shortly after. These accomplishments have solidified their reputation as one of Spain’s most formidable teams in European competitions.

The squad boasts a blend of experienced veterans and promising young players, guided by a tactically astute coach who emphasizes possession-based football and fluid attacking play. Villarreal’s ability to control the tempo of matches and maintain defensive solidity has made them a tough opponent in knockout stages. Their midfield creativity and technical skills allow them to break down stubborn defenses effectively.

Playing in La Liga, one of Europe’s most competitive leagues, ensures that Villarreal’s players are consistently tested against world-class talent. This exposure prepares them well for the rigors of European football. With their strong squad depth, tactical flexibility, and hunger for silverware, Villarreal is poised to be one of the leading contenders for the UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2025/26.

1. Chelsea FC (England)

Chelsea FC stands as the undisputed benchmark for success in the UEFA Europa Conference League, having claimed the title in the 2024/25 season with a dominant 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the final. This triumph completed their collection of all major UEFA trophies, cementing their status as one of Europe’s elite clubs. Though they will not defend the title in 2025/26 due to Champions League qualification, Chelsea’s influence and legacy loom large over the competition.

Under the management of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea displayed tactical flexibility, squad depth, and clinical execution throughout their victorious campaign. Their ability to blend experienced internationals with emerging young talents created a balanced and dynamic squad. Chelsea’s dominance in the Premier League and Europe underscores their high standards and ambition, setting a benchmark for all Conference League hopefuls.

The club’s Stamford Bridge atmosphere and global fanbase provide unwavering support, motivating the players during crucial fixtures. Chelsea’s recent success serves as an inspiration for contenders, who aim to emulate their strategic excellence and winning mentality. While Chelsea will compete on a different stage this season, their 2024/25 Conference League victory remains the gold standard and a reminder of the level required to triumph in Europe’s newest competition.

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