The 2025/26 UEFA Europa League campaign is officially underway following the draw for the first qualifying round, held today in Nyon. Among the headline pairings, Shakhtar Donetsk were drawn against Ilves of Finland.

Shakhtar will play the first leg at “home” — though due to the ongoing security situation, the Ukrainian side is expected to host their July fixtures in Slovenia, where their summer training camp will be based, according to unofficial reports.

Europa League First Qualifying Round Fixtures

Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) vs Ilves (Finland)
Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova) vs Prishtina (Kosovo)
Spartak Trnava (Slovakia) vs BK Häcken (Sweden)
Sabah FK (Azerbaijan) vs NK Celje (Slovenia)

Legia Warsaw (Poland) vs FC Aktobe (Kazakhstan)
Levski Sofia (Bulgaria) vs Hapoel Be'er Sheva (Israel)
AEK Larnaca (Cyprus) vs Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)
Paksi FC (Hungary) vs CFR Cluj (Romania)

Match Dates:

The first and second legs are scheduled for July 10 and July 17, 2025. UEFA will confirm kickoff times and venues no later than June 20.