Sunderland’s Europa League Draw Sets Up First European Visit to AC Milan

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, August 29, 2026

Sunderland will face AC Milan at the San Siro in their first European campaign since 1973, attracting expectations of up to 20,000 traveling fans. This fixture highlights Sunderland’s resurgence on the continental stage and offers supporters a chance to respond to rivalries with Newcastle.

Sunderland has been drawn to face AC Milan in the Europa League, marking the club’s first European campaign since 1973. The Wearsiders will travel to Milan’s San Siro stadium for the group stage fixture, a milestone that has prompted the club’s leadership to anticipate a significant traveling fan presence.

Sunderland chief executive Tom Burwell expressed enthusiasm about the draw, projecting that as many as 20,000 supporters could make the trip to Italy. Burwell described the occasion as a reflection of the club’s recent progress and a remarkable opportunity. The visit also presents a chance for Sunderland fans to respond to longstanding rivalries, particularly with Newcastle United supporters, who have previously highlighted Sunderland’s absence from major European competition during recent Champions League seasons.

The group stage will also see Sunderland face Dutch club AZ Alkmaar, Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb, Poland’s Jagiellonia, and Bulgaria’s Levski Sofia. All home matches will be held at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

Another English club making its European debut this season is Bournemouth, competing in the Europa League for the first time. The Cherries will host AC Milan at their Vitality Stadium but face a potentially complex fixture against Israel’s Hapoel Be’er Sheva. The presence of Israeli opposition has raised concerns following last year’s controversy when Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were barred from attending a Europa League match at Aston Villa, leading to widespread criticism of West Midlands Police.

Bournemouth’s sporting director Tiago Pinto emphasized that football should serve as a platform for inclusion and peace. Pinto acknowledged that discussions would be necessary regarding the upcoming fixtures and expressed confidence in managing the situation. He also described the match against AC Milan as the biggest home game in the club’s history, underscoring the significance of the achievement.

Crystal Palace is set to begin their Europa League campaign with an away fixture against Lyon. This pairing follows tensions related to Palace’s ongoing connection to John Textor, Lyon’s former owner, whose involvement had influenced UEFA’s decision to relegate Lyon to the Conference League last season. Palace, however, earned their place in the Europa League by winning the Conference League last term.

In the Europa Conference League, Brighton & Hove Albion will face notable opponents, including Monaco from France and Greece’s Panathinaikos. Brighton’s chief executive Paul Barber highlighted the prestige of hosting Monaco at the Amex Stadium and described the club’s step into European competition as a significant milestone.

UEFA is expected to confirm the full fixture list in the coming days as these English clubs prepare for the challenges of continental competition.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.