UEFA Europa League 2026-27: 3rd Qualifying Round Leg 1 Picks
Introduction
The UEFA Europa League 2026-27 campaign is already in the thrilling third qualifying round stage. Teams from all over Europe strive to secure their positions in the league stage. Each game is of immense significance since only steady performances will help to pursue the dream of competing on the European level. Some of the well-experienced clubs have taken part in this tournament, as well as some of the newcomers. The first and the second qualifying rounds have given way to numerous exciting games and unpredictable outcomes. Now the level of play is growing even higher as more strong clubs enter the tournament. Supporters can expect intense football, tactical battles, and memorable moments. The UEFA Europa League 3rd qualifying round marks another important step towards the league phase.
UEFA Europa League: Season Overview
The qualifying stage for the UEFA Europa League started in July, involving many teams from European nations. The teams have managed to reach the second round of qualifying after playing home and away fixtures. The UEFA Europa League is currently entering the third qualifying phase, and the standard of teams increases. There are other clubs that have qualified for this league after transferring from the qualifying phase of the UEFA Champions League. All the teams will be required to qualify for the play-off round. The remaining qualifying matches promise exciting football and close contests. Every UEFA Europa League result can shape a club’s European journey this season.
UEFA Europa League: Upcoming Schedules
Shamrock Rovers vs Egnatia
Date: 4 August 2026 (Tuesday)
Time: 03:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT 12:30 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: Tallaght Stadium
Larne vs Saburtalo
Date: 4 August 2026 (Tuesday)
Time: 03:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT 12:30 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: Inver Park, Larne
Ferencváros vs Górnik Zabrze
Date: 5 August 2026 (Wednesday)
Time: 02:15 PM ET | 11:15 AM PT | 11:45 PM IST
Venue: Groupama Arena, Ferencváros
KuPS vs Craiova
Date: 6 August 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 11:00 AM ET | 08:00 AM PT | 08:30 PM IST
Venue: VÄRE Areena, Kuopio
M. Tel-Aviv vs CSKA Sofia
Date: 6 August 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 12:00 PM ET | 09:00 AM PT | 09:30 PM IST
Venue: Adjarabet Arena, Batumi
Jagiellonia Białystok vs Rangers
Date: 6 August 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 12:00 PM ET | 09:00 AM PT | 09:30 PM IST
Venue: Chorten Arena, Bialystok
Hradec Králové vs Beşiktaş
Date: 6 August 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 01:00 PM ET | 10:00 AM PT | 10:30 PM IST
Venue: Malšovická arena, Hradec Králové
Lincoln Red Imps vs Omonoia
Date: 6 August 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 01:00 PM ET | 10:00 AM PT | 10:30 PM IST
Venue: Europa Sports Stadium, Gibraltar
Lech Poznań vs KÍ
Date: 6 August 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 01:00 PM ET | 10:00 AM PT | 10:30 PM IST
Venue: Poznań Stadium, Poznań
PAOK vs Anderlecht
Date: 6 August 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 01:45 PM ET | 10:45 AM PT | 11:15 PM IST
Venue: Toumba Stadium, Thessaloniki
Thun vs Víkingur Reykjavík
Date: 6 August 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 02:00 PM ET | 11:00 AM PT | 11:30 PM IST
Venue: Visana Stadium, Thun
Benfica vs Hearts
Date: 6 August 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 03:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT | 12:30 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: Estádio da Luz, Benfica
Pafos vs RB Salzburg
Date: 6 August 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 01:00 PM ET | 10:00 AM PT | 10:30 PM IST
Venue: Stelios Kyriakides Stadium, Paphos
UEFA Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round: Selected Match Previews
Ferencváros vs Górnik Zabrze
Date: 5 August 2026 (Wednesday)
Time: 02:15 PM ET | 11:15 AM PT | 11:45 PM IST
Venue: Groupama Arena, Ferencváros
Expected Lineup
Ferencváros
Position
Players
Goalkeeper
Dénes Dibusz
Defenders
Mariano Gómez, Attila Osváth, Cadu, Mats Raemaekers
Midfielders
Kristoffer Zachariassen, Naby Keïta, Pierre Rommens, Gabi Kanichowsky
Forwards
Bamidele Yusuf, Krisztián Lisztes
Górnik Zabrze
Position
Players
Goalkeeper
Michał Őri (or Filip Radnóti)
Defenders
Nathan Zohoré, Dominik Nagy, Patrik Botka
Midfielders
Jonathan Levi, Daniel Arzani, Callum O’Dowda, Marius Corbu
Forwards
Lenny Joseph, Elton Acolatse, Franko Kovačević
Team Analysis
Ferencváros holds a distinct upper hand heading into the UEFA Europa League 1st leg against Górnik Zabrze. This is due to their formidable home record and superior attacking methods. The Hungarian champions have enjoyed a highly convincing qualifying campaign. They handled Vojvodina comfortably with a 5 – 1 aggregate victory. Górnik Zabrze drops out of the UEFA Europa League 3rd qualifying round after a narrow aggregate exit against Fenerbahçe.
Ferencváros has strong attacking methods and a versatile forward. Meanwhile, Górnik Zabrze will expect to structure themselves defensively to absorb pressure. Ferencváros rarely lose in front of their home crowds during early-stage continental qualifiers. Górnik Zabrze has the defensive capability to hold firm initially. But Ferencváros’ multi-layered attack should find a breakthrough over the 90 minutes.
The Pick: Ferencváros
M. Tel-Aviv vs CSKA Sofia
Date: 6 August 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 12:00 PM ET | 09:00 AM PT | 09:30 PM IST
Venue: Adjarabet Arena, Batumi
Expected Lineup
M. Tel-Aviv
Position
Players
Goalkeeper
Ofek Melika
Defenders
Roy Revivo, Mohamed Ali Camara, Raz Shlomo, Itai Ben Hamo
Bruno Jordão, Stefano Sensi, Amine Brahimi, Oumar Solet
Forwards
Ioannis Pittas, Jeredy Hilterman (or Yoan Zwarts)
Team Analysis
M. Tel-Aviv 3rd qualifying UEFA Europa League 1st leg against CSKA Sofia with clear ideas. They enhanced their tactical and psychological advantages that were lacking in the prior round. Tel-Aviv has an explosive attacking frontline that makes them favorites. Meanwhile, CSKA’s compact midfield is built to disrupt tempo and grab results away from home. Tel-Aviv cleaned Sheriff in the 2nd qualifying round by 6 – 0 on aggregate. They remain perfectly crucial and didn’t concede a single goal in the UEFA Europa League second phase.
Similarly, Sofia had a tighter path in the 2nd round against Derry City. Even though they won the round with a 5 – 3 aggregate, every match they played was a struggle for their results. Tel-Aviv will implement an expansive style focused on overload principles. They show variety in attacking. Meanwhile, Sofia is a counter-expansive team. They mainly focus on central density with their experienced Stefano Sensi. Tel-Aviv has massive momentum and sharp possession. CSKA will find it difficult to break Tel-Aviv’s defensive wall.
The Pick: M. Tel-Aviv
Hradec Králové vs Beşiktaş
Date: 6 August 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 01:00 PM ET | 10:00 AM PT | 10:30 PM IST
Venue: Malšovická arena, Hradec Králové
Expected Lineup
Hradec Králové
Position
Players
Goalkeeper
Matouš Trmal (or Milan Knobloch)
Defenders
David Ludvíček, Tomáš Petrášek, Filip Čihák, Jakub Uhrinčať
Midfielders
Vladimír Darida, Samuel Dancák, Daniel Horák, Petr Kodeš
Beşiktaş’s upcoming match in the 3rd qualifying UEFA Europa League fixture is a tougher one. The heavy favorite is Hradec Králové, due to their high-intensity squad. They have an excellent defensive structure in home games when their home crowd surrounds them. Beşiktaş has the power to control the tie, but Hradec will dominate with their full physical strength to frustrate them. Hradec had faced Norwegian Tromsø in their 2nd qualifying round and won with an aggregate of 2 – 1. Meanwhile, Beşiktaş just bypassed the Danish club Midtjylland with an aggregate of 4 – 1.
Hradec will rely on structural discipline and a direct physical approach. They have a strong home defensive record. They rarely concede multiple goals at the Malšovická Aréna. There will be a lack of creating counterattacks. If Beşiktaş dominates them, then they will struggle to make a better transition in the midfield battle. Beşiktaş has implemented a fluid possession system in a 4-3-3. The midfield engine room will be led by Orkun Kökçü and Wilfred Ndidi. They are designed to starve opponents for the ball and launch rapid vertical attacks. Hradec will put up a highly disciplined fight and try to keep the score respectable for their home fans.
The Pick: Beşiktaş
Pafos vs RB Salzburg
Date: 6 August 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 01:00 PM ET | 10:00 AM PT | 10:30 PM IST
Venue: Stelios Kyriakides Stadium, Paphos
Expected Lineup
Pafos
Position
Players
Goalkeeper
Radosław Majecki
Defenders
David Luiz, Samy Mmaee, David Goldar, Nicholas Ioannou
Midfielders
Gonçalo Rodrigues, Ivan Šunjić, Vlad Dragomir, Ken Sema
Forwards
Jajá, Gabriel Teixeira (or Lelê)
RB Salzburg
Position
Players
Goalkeeper
Nikola Sarcevic
Defenders
Stefan Lainer, Tim Drexler, Hendry Blank, Aleksa Terzić
Midfielders
Lucas Gourna-Douath, Maurits Kjærgaard, Mamady Diambou, Adam Daghim
Forwards
Karim Konaté, Yorbe Vertessen
Team Analysis
RB Salzburg enter this tie as strong favorites due to their vast European experience. Pafos enters as a dangerous underdog following a blowout win in the previous round. Salzburg entered the UEFA Europa League qualifying phase after a domestic runner-up finish. They are known for their consistent group-stage appearances in European football. They are making their season debut in this round and possess a highly sharp, match-fit squad. Pafos delivered a shocking performance in the UEFA Europa League 2nd Qualifying round. They played against Hajduk Split and won with an aggregate of 4 – 0.
Salzburg will employ their signature high-intensity, vertical pressing style. They focus heavily on forcing turnovers in the opponent’s defense. Since this is their first competitive European campaign, any simple mistake will cost them further. Pafos structures itself in a deeply disciplined medium-to-low defensive block. They use their experienced center-back David Luiz to organize the backline and anchor it. If they attempt to play out from the back against Salzburg, they risk giving away high-turnover goals.
The Pick: RB Salzburg
Conclusion
The 3rd qualifying round is expected to be yet another week full of entertainment in the UEFA Europa League. All the teams are aware of the fact that they have to take some sort of an edge going into the return leg. The home clubs will seek to put themselves in a good position prior to going out on the road. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the away clubs trying to make sure that they get something out of their matches. Many matches in this group feature highly experienced European clubs against their eager rivals. Some tactical nuances might become decisive in these matches. These matches will move the winning teams one step closer to the play-off round. Every performance will matter in the race for UEFA Europa League phase qualification.