Sunderland AFC is set to make its long-awaited return to European football on September 16, 2026, when they host AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light in the opening match of the UEFA Europa League league phase. The match kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. BST), marking a historic moment for the Black Cats as this is their first European fixture in 53 years.
Why it matters: This match is a landmark event for Sunderland, who last participated in European competitions back in 1973. After securing a seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season, the club has a chance to showcase its growth on an international stage.
- The Black Cats qualified for the Europa League after finishing seventh in the Premier League with 54 points, including 14 wins, 12 draws, and 12 losses.
- Sunderland's last European match was in the 1973 Cup Winners' Cup against Sporting Lisbon.
- This game is expected to draw a passionate crowd at the Stadium of Light as fans eagerly await the return of European football to Wearside.
Driving the news: Sunderland enters this match after a mixed start to the current domestic season, having only accumulated four points from their first four Premier League matches. They suffered a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on September 12, 2026, which has raised concerns about their form heading into this high-stakes encounter.
- After winning 1-0 against Fulham on August 30, Sunderland's performance has dipped, with a record of one win, one draw, and two losses in their opening league matches.
- AZ Alkmaar, in stark comparison, comes into this match in strong form, sitting second in the Eredivisie with 16 points from six matches, including five wins and one draw.
- The two clubs have no recent competitive head-to-head record, making this match their first official encounter.
State of play: Sunderland's squad faces several challenges, including injuries to key players. Habib Diarra is sidelined with a thigh injury, and Romain Mundle is out due to a knee issue. Several other players have been omitted from the Europa League squad, raising questions about their depth.
- Granit Xhaka, Sunderland’s captain, emphasized the importance of this match, stating, "We’re ready and we want to show our fans what we can do on this stage," during a press conference on September 15.
- Reinildo Mandava is available for selection, as his recent suspension applies only to domestic matches.
- AZ Alkmaar will also be missing several players, including Kees Smit, Denso Kasius, and goalkeeper Hobie Verhulst due to injuries.
The big picture: This Europa League opener is not just about the match; it's a chance for Sunderland to establish itself on the European stage. The club's return to Europe has been a long time coming, and they are determined to make a mark.
- Sunderland's manager, Régis Le Bris, is expected to field an almost full-strength starting XI, aiming to secure a victory in front of a home crowd.
- AZ Alkmaar has a history of struggles in England, having lost all 11 previous European matches played on English soil.
- With a strong tactical setup, Sunderland is looking to leverage its home advantage to gain momentum in the tournament.
What they're saying: The atmosphere is charged with excitement as fans anticipate this historic matchup. Sunderland legend Gary Bennett remarked, "This is history, right here, right now. We’ve waited for this moment for a long time."
- Granit Xhaka expressed confidence in the team's preparation, stating, "We know what’s at stake, and we want to give our fans a night to cherish."
- AZ Alkmaar's coach, Lee-Roy Echteld, acknowledged the challenge, saying, "Sunderland will be a tough opponent, especially at home. We need to be at our best to succeed."
By the numbers: The match statistics highlight the contrasting forms of both teams.
- Sunderland finished last season with 54 points, achieving a record of 14 wins, 12 draws, and 12 defeats.
- AZ Alkmaar has started the Eredivisie season with an impressive record of five wins and one draw, placing them second in the league.
- In their last six matches, AZ has scored in each game, making them a formidable attacking side.
What's next: Following this match, Sunderland will look to build on their European campaign with upcoming fixtures in both the league and the Europa League.
- The Black Cats aim to regain momentum in the Premier League, having struggled early in the season.
- Fans can catch the match on various broadcasting platforms, including CazéTV in Brazil and streaming services like DAZN and HBO Max across different regions.
- Kickoff for the match is set for 3:00 p.m. ET, with fans eager to witness this historic event.
As Sunderland prepares to take the field, the anticipation builds for what will likely be a memorable evening at the Stadium of Light, marking the start of a new chapter in their footballing history.