Brighton fly the flag as England's lone Conference League entrant
Brighton & Hove Albion return to European football as the only English club in the 2026–27 Conference League league phase, with Crystal Palace having moved up to the Europa League as defending champions.
Albion return to Europe
Brighton qualified for the 2026–27 Conference League on the back of their Premier League finish, giving the club another crack at continental football under a squad that has consistently punched above its weight in recent seasons.
England's sole representative
With Palace promoted into the Europa League as holders and Bournemouth and Sunderland occupying the Europa League spots on league position, Brighton are left to carry England's flag alone in the Conference League this season.
What's next
The league phase draw takes place on August 28, with Matchday 1 on October 15.
Sources: UEFA, July 2026.