Premier League sides Sunderland and Bournemouth have been handed meetings with seven-time European champions AC Milan. This follows the 2026/27 Europa League league-phase draw.
UEFA confirmed the pairings on Friday after the draw in Monaco. Each of the 36 participating clubs was given eight different opponents. These are split between four home and four away fixtures.
Sunderland handed San Siro trip
Sunderland will travel to the San Siro to face Milan as they prepare for their first European campaign since 1973.
The Black Cats, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, will also host AZ Alkmaar, Dinamo Zagreb, Jagiellonia and Levski Sofia.
Their other away fixtures will take them to Anderlecht, Lech Poznan and Torreense.
Milan, meanwhile, will welcome Benfica, Ferencvaros, Sunderland and Ararat-Armenia to Italy.
The Serie A giants will travel to Olympiacos, Salzburg, Bournemouth and Levski Sofia.
Bournemouth prepare for European debut
Bournemouth will face Milan at home. The Cherries are preparing to compete in European football for the first time in their history.
They will also host Viktoria Plzen, Sturm Graz and Hapoel Beer-Sheva. Meanwhile, their away schedule includes trips to Real Sociedad, Sparta Prague, Celta Vigo and Lillestrom.
Crystal Palace will also represent England in the competition. They have been handed matches against Real Sociedad, Lyon and Besiktas among their eight opponents.
The league phase will begin on September 16 and 17. The eighth and final round of matches is scheduled for January 28, 2027.
Under the format, the top eight teams in the league table will qualify directly for the round of 16. Meanwhile, clubs finishing ninth to 24th will enter the knockout play-offs.
The 2026/27 Europa League final will take place at Stadion Frankfurt in Germany on May 26, 2027.
