Having barely finished the 2025-2026 season for the majority of European countries, it is time to make projections for the next edition of the Europa League. In France, the three representatives are already known: Olympique Lyonnais (in the event of failure to qualify for the Champions League), Stade Rennais and Olympique de Marseille.
But while the draw for the league phase is only scheduled for the end of August, a first trend is already detectable. Very heavy indeed awaits Rennes and OM, who should both appear in hat 2.
In fact, the misfortunes of the historic Italian teams in Serie A this weekend do not help the French clubs, since Juventus and AC Milan, who failed to climb into C1, find themselves directly transferred to C3. The two giants will likely be placed in hat 1, alongside Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica Lisbon, Lyon (provisional), AZ Alkmaar, Olympiakos (provisional), Fenerbahçe (provisional) as well as Real Sociedad.
OM and Rennes not favorites
There are also concerns about Pot 3, where English latecomers Sunderland and Crystal Palace are expected to sit. As well as Celta Vigo, executioner of the Lyonnais in the round of 16 this season, Hoffenheim or even the surprise Torreense, Portuguese D2 club winner of the Cup against Sporting Portugal.
Knowing that all those qualified in the Europa League will face two teams from each hat, and without forgetting that the Champions League play-offs (Bodo/Glimt, Union Saint-Gilloise, Celtic Glasgow, AEK Athens, among others) can still be paid out, the French representatives will have to redouble their efforts.
