Bodø/Glimt, Sabah, LASK seal Champions League spots before Thursday draw
Bodø/Glimt, Sabah and LASK confirmed their places in the 2026/27 Champions League league phase after winning their playoff ties on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Bodø/Glimt, returning for a second straight season, saw off Dutch side NEC Nijmegen. Azerbaijani debutants Sabah edged past Israeli team Hapoel Be’er Sheva in extra time, while Austrian debut LASK overturned a 4-0 first-leg deficit against Celtic, winning 5-1 in the second leg at home.
These qualifications matter because they set the lineup for the league phase draw, which will take place on Thursday, August 27, 2026 in Monaco. The draw will determine the group-stage opponents for these teams and the other 33 qualifiers, affecting match schedules, broadcasting rights, and fan engagement across Africa and beyond. Four additional playoff second-leg matches on Wednesday will finalise the remaining spots in the 36-team league phase.
Fans interested in following the action can watch the draw live via UEFA’s official channels and keep an eye on the Wednesday fixtures to see which clubs join the league phase. Knowing which teams have secured spots helps supporters plan viewing parties, track potential African player appearances, and anticipate the competitive landscape of Europe’s premier club competition.