The UEFA Youth League is gearing up for another exciting season, and the Young Bulls are ready to make their mark following their triumph in the U18 championship last year. The team has been granted a spot in the 2026/27 UEFA Youth League season through the national Champions Path, and the draw conducted in Nyon has outlined their upcoming schedule.
As the reigning youth champions from one of Europe’s top-ranked associations, the Young Bulls will skip the first round and enter directly into the second round of the Champions Path. Their first challenge will be against KRC Genk, a match that promises to be a thrilling encounter. The first leg of this matchup is scheduled for October 28, while the return leg will take place at home on November 4.
Advancing past KRC Genk will set the stage for the Young Bulls to face the winners of the contest between NK Bravo and Red Star Belgrade in the third round. This knockout phase is structured to include three rounds, with each round comprising two legs — one home and one away. A total of ten teams will emerge from these rounds to qualify for the round of 32, which will commence in early February 2027. The teams that progress will then join those from the UEFA Champions League Path, continuing in a single-match knockout format.
Key dates for the upcoming rounds have already been established. The first leg of the third round is set for November 25, followed by the second leg on December 9. The draw for the round of 32 will take place on December 11 in Nyon, with matches scheduled for February 2 and 3. The knockout phase will then proceed with further draws and matches leading up to the final, which is slated for April 19, 2027.
The UEFA Youth League, inaugurated in the 2013/14 season, serves as a pivotal platform for young footballers, providing them with the opportunity to compete at an international level. This U19 competition was established to bridge the gap between youth and professional football, allowing emerging talents to gain invaluable experience.
Historically, the Young Bulls have had a mixed record in the UEFA Youth League. Their most notable achievement came in the 2016/17 season when they clinched the title with a 2-1 victory over SL Benfica in the final. Other significant performances include reaching the semi-finals in the 2019/20 season and the last 16 in several other campaigns. However, they faced challenges in recent years, including not qualifying for the tournament in the 2025/26 season.
As the Young Bulls prepare for their upcoming matches, fans and supporters are eager to see how this talented squad will perform on the European stage once again. The journey ahead promises to be filled with excitement and potential as they aim to make a deep run in the UEFA Youth League.
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