11.05.2026 14:05
Fenerbahçe's potential opponents in the qualifying round for the Champions League are becoming clearer. The yellow-navy team faces tough teams such as PAOK, Olympiakos, Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, and Sparta Prague. Here are the details...
Fenerbahçe, who have guaranteed to finish the season in second place in the Süper Lig, now turn their attention to the Champions League qualifiers. The yellow-navy team aims to end their eight-year longing for the Champions League, while potential opponents in the preliminary rounds are becoming clear.
WILL BE SEEDED IN THE 2ND PRELIMINARY ROUND
Fenerbahçe will be seeded in the 2nd Preliminary Round of the Champions League. Possible opponents for the yellow-navy team in this round include PAOK or Olympiakos from Greece, LASK Linz or Sturm Graz from Austria, and Hearts or Celtic from Scotland.
Meanwhile, the team from the Polish league will also be among the opponents. There is only a 1-point difference between Jagiellonia, Rakow, Gornik Zabrze, Katowice, and Zaglebie, with the second-place team to be determined in the final weeks.
GIANT TEAMS IN THE 3RD PRELIMINARY ROUND
If Fenerbahçe advance past the 2nd Preliminary Round, they could face major European teams.
In France's Ligue 1, Lille, Lyon, and Rennes are competing for fourth place, and one of these teams could become the yellow-navy team's opponent.
In the Netherlands' Eredivisie, Twente holds the advantage, while NEC Nijmegen still has a chance for third place.
In Portugal, the race for second place between Benfica and Sporting Lisbon is notable, and one of these two teams could face Fenerbahçe.
In Belgium, the title race between Club Brugge and Union Saint-Gilloise continues. The team finishing second could stand in Fenerbahçe's way on the Champions League path.
Sparta Prague from the Czech Republic is also among the yellow-navy team's possible opponents.
TOUGH MARATHON FOR THE PLAY-OFF ROUND
For Fenerbahçe to reach the Champions League group stage, they must pass the 2nd Preliminary Round, 3rd Preliminary Round, and the play-off round. The yellow-navy team will have to eliminate three different opponents in this challenging process.
HERE IS THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SCHEDULE
The draw for the 2nd Preliminary Round will be held on June 17. The matches will be played on July 21-22 and July 28-29.
The draw for the 3rd Preliminary Round will take place on June 20. The matches will be held on August 4-5 and August 11.
The draw for the play-off round will be on August 3. The matches will be played on August 18-19 and August 25-26.