NEC awaits 2026/27 Champions League third qualifying draw

NEC Nijmegen secured their first-ever UEFA Champions League berth by finishing third in the 2025/26 Eredivisie. The draw for the third qualifying round is scheduled for 21 July 2026.

The third-place finish grants NEC entry directly into the Champions League’s third qualifying round. Their path begins against an unnamed opponent yet to be determined by the draw.

NEC’s qualification marks their debut in Europe’s premier club competition. Club president Henk van der Zanden called it a historic milestone for the Nijmegen-based side.

The domestic league’s 2025/26 season concluded with NEC on 68 points, three clear of fourth-placed AZ Alkmaar. PSV Eindhoven claimed the title with 82 points.

NEC will prepare for the Champions League under head coach Peter Hyballa. The club’s youth academy graduate, midfielder Lars Damen, remains key to their ambitions.

The third qualifying round loser drops into the Europa League play-offs. NEC’s schedule resumes on 22 July 2026 with the first leg.