Celtic will discover their Champions League play-off opponents next week, with the draw set for Monday, August 4. [UEFA]
The ties themselves will be played across two legs later that month – on August 19/20 and 26/27 – as the Scottish champions aim to reach the league stage of Europe’s premier club competition.
The draw will be live-streamed on UEFA’s website.
Despite winning the league, Brendan Rodgers’ side must navigate one final qualifying hurdle due to Scotland’s coefficient ranking. Fortunately, thanks to Celtic’s strong UEFA ranking, they will be seeded for the draw, avoiding several dangerous names.
That seeding status means they won’t face the likes of FC Copenhagen, Red Star Belgrade, Bodo/Glimt or Ferencvaros.
However, the potential opponents remain daunting. Swiss champions Basel are already confirmed as unseeded and would represent a stiff test. Sturm Graz are another possibility, with the Austrian outfit enjoying domestic and European growth over the past few seasons.
Three further possible opponents are still to be determined as the qualifying rounds unfold, with results from this week and the next set to finalise the lineup.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. A place in the lucrative Champions League group stage hangs in the balance, with the final itself scheduled for May 30, 2026, at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. For Celtic, that journey begins with a crucial draw next week.
