Official | Mainz learn Conference League opponents | OneFootball

Bundesliga Conference League representatives Mainz 05 have discovered their opponents for the group phase of the 2025/26 UECL competition. Mainz were able to overcome a surprise loss in the opening leg of their UECL playoff round against Noway’s Rosenborg-Trondheim and secure qualification for the next phase just last night via a 4-1 home victory.

Unlike in the Champions League or Europa League, Conference League contestants only play six (as opposed to eight) group stage matches. The group phase will also wrap up before the conclusion of the current 2025 calendar year. Mainz’s UECL journey is slated to begin on October 2nd, 2025 and conclude on December 18th, 20225.

Mainz’s Draw

AC Fiorentina (H), Lech Poznan (A), Zrinjski Mostar (H), Omonia Nikosia (A), Samsunspor (H), Universitatea Craiova (A)

Conference League Dates

League phase:

Matchday 1: October 2, 2025

Matchday 2: October 23, 2025

Matchday 3: November 6, 2025

Matchday 4: November 27, 2025

Matchday 5: December 11, 2025

Matchday 6: December 18, 2025

Knockout stage:

Play-offs (9th-24th place: February 19-26, 2026

Round of 16: March 12/19, 2026

Quarterfinals: April 9/16, 2026

Semifinals: April 30 to May 7, 2026

Final: May 27, 2026 in Leipzig

Analysis

Mainz’s road to Leipzig isn’t an easy one. The Rheinhessen must host a tough Serie A opponent to get things rolling, then travel to Poznan to take on the Polish champions. The Croatian champions and always difficult Turkish outfit Samsunspor are also on the docket.

Matches against non-champion Cypriot and Romanian sides constitute the only real easier fixtures. It looks to be difficult to the Palatinate club to pick up points. A “six point flop” on the draw isn’t the ideal outcome for the Pfälzer.

GGFN | Peter Weis