The final is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The match will be hosted at the Besiktas Stadium, also known as Tupras Stadium or Besiktas Park, located in the heart of Istanbul. Kickoff is officially set for 21:00 CET, which translates to 20:00 local time in London and Lagos.
Aston Villa reached the final after a stunning comeback against Nottingham Forest. Despite trailing 1-0 after the first leg, Unai Emery’s side delivered a masterclass at Villa Park in the return fixture, winning 4-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate. Captain John McGinn led the charge with a brace, supported by goals from Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Buendia. This marks Villa’s first major European final since their legendary European Cup triumph in 1982, and it gives manager Unai Emery a chance to secure his fifth Europa League title.
Their opponents, SC Freiburg, secured their spot by overcoming Portuguese side Braga. After a tight semi-final battle, the German club won the second leg 3-1 at home, advancing with a 4-3 aggregate scoreline. This is a momentous occasion for Freiburg as it represents the first-ever major continental final in the club's history.
Besiktas Stadium, which sits on the banks of the Bosphorus, has a capacity of approximately 40,000 spectators. It previously hosted the 2019 UEFA Super Cup and is renowned for its intense atmosphere, providing a fitting backdrop for this clash between the Premier League and the Bundesliga.
The winner of the 2026 final will not only lift the 15kg silver trophy but also earn an automatic spot in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League. With both teams showing incredible form in the knockout stages, fans can expect a high-stakes encounter in one of world football's most iconic cities.