The 2025/26 UEFA Europa League enters its decisive phase on February 19, 2026, with the first legs of the knockout round play-offs. This stage bridges the new league phase and the round of 16, featuring compelling matchups like Celtic vs. Stuttgart and Fenerbahçe vs. Nottingham Forest. For fans worldwide, navigating the broadcast landscape is key. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to watch every match, detailing streaming services, channel listings, kick-off times, and the crucial context for this pivotal stage of the competition.
Understanding the 2026 Europa League Knockout Play-Offs
The February fixtures are not the traditional round of 16 but the preceding play-off round. Introduced under the competition’s new format, this stage involves the 16 teams that finished between 9th and 24th in the initial league phase. These clubs face off in two-legged ties, with the eight aggregate winners advancing to join the top eight league-phase finishers—such as Aston Villa and Lyon—in the round of 16. It’s a high-stakes elimination round where dreams of European glory continue or end.
Complete Match Schedule: First Legs – February 19, 2026
All first-leg matches are scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026. The action is split across two kick-off windows, a common feature in European competitions to allow viewers to follow multiple games. The scheduled fixtures, subject to confirmation by UEFA for potential time adjustments, are as follows:
12:45 PM ET / 17:45 GMT:
SK Brann vs. Bologna
Fenerbahçe vs. Nottingham Forest
PAOK vs. Celta Vigo
GNK Dinamo vs. Genk
3:00 PM ET / 20:00 GMT:
Celtic vs. VfB Stuttgart
Lille vs. Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade)
Panathinaikos vs. Viktoria Plzeň
Ludogorets vs. Ferencváros
The return legs will be played one week later on February 26, 2026.
How to Watch in the United States: Streaming & TV Channels
For viewers in the United States, coverage is split between English and Spanish-language rights holders, offering flexibility depending on your preference.
English-Language Coverage (Paramount+): CBS Sports holds the exclusive English-language rights. Every single Europa League match, including all play-off fixtures, streams live and on-demand on Paramount+. This includes pre-match shows, highlights, and full match replays. Paramount+ is the sole destination for comprehensive English-language coverage.
Spanish-Language Coverage (ViX & TelevisaUnivision): Spanish-language rights are held by TelevisaUnivision. Coverage is available through their streaming service, ViX, which will carry select matches live. Furthermore, linear television channels such as TUDN and UniMás are expected to broadcast key games. For extensive Spanish-language analysis and coverage, visiting ESPN’s soccer section for related news and commentary is also valuable.
International Viewing Options
Broadcast rights vary by region. In the United Kingdom, matches are typically spread across TNT Sports and discovery+. In Canada, DAZN holds the primary streaming rights for UEFA competitions. Fans in Australia can watch on Stan Sport. The most reliable source for official broadcast information in any territory is always the official UEFA Europa League website, which provides country-specific broadcaster details.
Key Fixtures and Storylines to Follow
Several first-leg matchups present intriguing narratives. Celtic’s clash with Bundesliga side Stuttgart at Celtic Park promises a fierce atmosphere and a tactical battle. Nottingham Forest’s trip to Istanbul to face Turkish giants Fenerbahçe is a historic European encounter for the Premier League club. Lille vs. Red Star Belgrade is a clash of champions from France and Serbia, respectively. The outcome of these ties will significantly shape the landscape for the round of 16 draw on February 27.
The Road to Istanbul: Tournament Format & Dates
Understanding the tournament’s progression is essential. The eight winners from the February play-offs will advance to the round of 16, joining the eight top-seeded teams. From there, it’s a straight knockout path to the final.
- Knockout Round Play-Offs: First legs (Feb 19), Second legs (Feb 26).
- Round of 16 Draw: February 27, 2026.
- Round of 16: March 12 & 19, 2026.
- Quarter-finals: April 9 & 16, 2026.
- Semi-finals: April 30 & May 7, 2026.
- Final: May 20, 2026, at Besiktas Park in Istanbul, Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time do the Europa League games start on February 19th?
Matches begin in two time slots: 12:45 PM Eastern Time (ET) and 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET).
Can I watch Europa League games for free?
Legitimate free live viewing options are limited. Paramount+ offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers, which can be used to access the matches. Some Spanish-language coverage may be available on free-to-air channel UniMás, depending on the match selection.
Is the Europa League on Paramount+ or ESPN+?
In the USA, the UEFA Europa League is exclusively on Paramount+ for English-language streaming. It is not available on ESPN+.
Will matches be available on demand?
Yes, both Paramount+ and ViX typically offer full match replays and highlights on-demand shortly after the live broadcast concludes.
Who are the favorites for the 2025/26 Europa League?
Teams that earned a bye to the round of 16, like Aston Villa and Lyon, are considered among the favorites. However, strong contenders like Roma, Porto, and the winners of the play-off ties involving clubs such as Stuttgart and Bologna will also be in the mix.
What is the new Europa League format?
The traditional group stage has been replaced by a 36-team league phase where each club plays eight matches. The top eight advance directly to the round of 16. Teams finishing 9th-24th enter the knockout round play-offs (this February stage), and teams 25th-36th are eliminated.
Can I watch on my TV, phone, or tablet?
Yes. Services like Paramount+, ViX, and TNT Sports have dedicated apps for smart TVs (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, etc.), gaming consoles, mobile devices (iOS/Android), and web browsers.
What happens if a play-off tie is tied after two legs?
If the aggregate score is level after the second leg, the match goes to 30 minutes of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout if necessary. The away goals rule no longer applies in UEFA competitions.
Where is the 2026 Europa League final?
The final will be held at Besiktas Park in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 20, 2026.
How does this tournament affect Champions League qualification?
The winner of the UEFA Europa League automatically qualifies for the group stage of the following season’s UEFA Champions League.
Final Verdict
The Europa League knockout round play-offs on February 19, 2026, represent a critical and thrilling juncture in the competition. With direct elimination on the line, the intensity is unmatched. For viewers in the United States, Paramount+ is the indispensable hub for complete, English-language access to every minute of the action, while ViX and TelevisaUnivision channels cater to Spanish-speaking audiences. By leveraging the information on schedules, streaming options, and tournament context provided here, fans can seamlessly access all the drama as Europe’s secondary club competition continues its compelling journey towards the final in Istanbul.
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