The 2026/27 UEFA Conference League league phase opens on 15 October with 36 teams each playing six matches through 17 December, where positions 9–24 advance to the knockout phase play-offs. Established clubs such as Ajax, Atalanta, Brighton, Monaco, Getafe, Panathinaikos, Freiburg, Braga, and Copenhagen enter with stronger UEFA coefficients and deeper squads, while mid-tier sides like Twente, Gent, Hearts, and Trabzonspor aim to secure those advancement spots through consistent results. The draw, completed in late August, created a balanced schedule without any dominant favorites, so early matchday outcomes and squad depth will shape the middle of the table ahead of the final simultaneous round on 17 December.