How Does the 2026/27 Conference League Format Work?
The Conference League format looks simple until the table starts moving. Thirty-six clubs, six fixtures apiece, one enormous ranking and precious little room to waste a Thursday night. For British supporters, the 2026/27 edition has two compelling storylines: Brighton’s first league-phase assignment against Kauno Žalgiris and Hearts welcoming Nordsjælland to Edinburgh. Here is how qualification works, what comes next and why the Conference League winner odds may shift dramatically before Christmas.
Conference League Format: Six Games, One Table
Forget the old four-team groups. Every club faces six different opponents, three at home and three away, with all 36 sides sharing a single league table. Teams earn three points for a win and one for a draw.
| League position | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 1st-8th | Directly into round of 16 |
| 9th-24th | Two-legged knockout play-off |
| 25th-36th | Eliminated |
Positions nine to 16 are seeded for play-offs. The league phase begins on 15 October and finishes on 17 December 2026. There is no second chance through another UEFA competition for sides finishing in the bottom 12.
What Happens When Teams Finish Level?
Goal difference comes first, followed by goals scored and then away goals. After that, UEFA considers total wins, away wins and the combined records of each club’s opponents, followed by disciplinary points and club coefficient if necessary.
A late consolation goal can influence the standings even when a result is beyond rescue. With only six matches, a narrow defeat can leave a lasting mark on qualification chances.
The clubs ranked 1 to 8 at the end of league phase qualify for the round of 16.” – UEFA competition regulations.
Ninth place, however respectable, means two extra matches and another opportunity for an early exit.
Brighton and Hearts Conference League Fixtures
Brighton open at home to Lithuania’s Kauno Žalgiris on 15 October, while Hearts begin against Denmark’s Nordsjælland the same evening. The draw offers both clubs opportunities, but also some demanding trips.
| Club | Key league-phase fixtures |
|---|---|
| Brighton | Kauno Žalgiris (H), Jablonec (A), Getafe (A), Monaco (H), Panathinaikos (A) |
| Hearts | Nordsjælland (H), Trabzonspor (A), Thun (A), Monaco (H), Pafos (A) |
Brighton also host Universitatea Craiova; Hearts also welcome Borac. With matches on 22 October, 5 and 26 November, and 10 and 17 December, both campaigns will develop quickly. For Hearts, collecting home points looks especially important before the tougher journeys.
Conference League Winner Odds 2026/27
Brighton are favourites, but an outright bet covers months of football, not one impressive performance.
Prices checked 13 October 2026. Prices may change.
The better question for Hearts backers might be whether they reach the knockout rounds, rather than whether they win the trophy. Those are different markets with very different levels of risk.
Road to the 2027 Final
The knockout play-offs take place on 18 and 25 February. Round-of-16 ties follow in March, quarter-finals in April and semi-finals across late April and early May. Istanbul’s Beşiktaş Stadium hosts the final on 2 June 2027.
Verdict: Play the Table, Not the Badge
