Ajax's European hopes rest on Vojvodina win, Twente on Ferencváros

Today the draw reveals two very different scenarios: Ajax must beat Vojvodina to stay in the Conference League, while FC Twente’s next round depends on Ferencváros’s result in the Europa League. Both clubs learned their possible opponents in the same UEFA draw.

Ajax will open the second qualifying round on Thursday in Serbia against Vojvodina, with the return leg scheduled a week later in Amsterdam. The two‑leg tie decides whether the Dutch side continues in Europe.

If Ajax wins the tie, the third‑round opponent will be either Shelbourne FC or Nõmme Kalju FC, with the matches set for Thursday 6 August and Thursday 13 August. Those are the only two clubs linked to Ajax after the Vojvodina victory.

The UEFA draw also gave Ajax four broader options for a potential third round: the winner of FC Vaduz – Atlètic Club d'Escaldes, the winner of GAIS – FC Nordsjaelland, the loser of Tromsø IL – Hradec Králové, and the winner of Shelbourne FC – Nõmme Kalju FC. Ultimately Ajax and Vojvodina were paired with the Shelbourne or Kalju pathway.

Budget gulf and European pedigree: Ajax women face Real Madrid

A loss to Vojvodina would end Ajax’s European campaign immediately, with no further matches in the Conference League.

FC Twente received its third‑round draw for the Europa League earlier that afternoon, a draw that only matters if Ferencváros win their tie. The Hungarian side’s result determines whether Twente stays in the Europa League.

Dutch women’s sides stumble in Europe as Ajax and PSV lose

Should Ferencváros lose, Twente will drop into the Conference League third qualifying round, where DAC 1904 or Velez will be the opponent, as confirmed by Monday’s Conference League draw. Those are the only two clubs Twente could face in that scenario.

The contrast shows Ajax’s fate rests on its own performance against Vojvodina, whereas Twente’s path hinges on another club’s result, highlighting the differing uncertainties each Dutch side faces in European competition.