Welsh Clubs and UEFA Rankings
Wales currently holds the 54th position in UEFA's association club coefficient rankings, with only San Marino ranked lower.
TNS Drawn Against Sabah in Champions League Qualifiers
The New Saints (TNS) will compete against Sabah of Azerbaijan in the opening qualifying round of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League. Under the management of Craig Harrison, TNS secured the Cymru Premier title for the fifth consecutive season, earning the right to represent Wales in Europe's premier club competition once again.
The first leg of the tie will take place in Azerbaijan on either 7 or 8 July, with the return leg scheduled at Park Hall a week later.
About Sabah Football Club
Sabah, based in Masazir and established in 2017, will participate in European competition for the fourth consecutive season. The club won the Azerbaijan Premier League for the first time last season, finishing nine points ahead of the 12-time champions Qarabag.
TNS European History
TNS have yet to reach the group stages of the UEFA Champions League. However, they made progress into the group phase of the UEFA Conference League for the first time during the 2024-25 season, achieving a notable victory against Astana of Kazakhstan.
Other Welsh Clubs in European Competition
Connah's Quay, Caernarfon Town, and Penybont are awaiting the outcome of the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round draw, which is scheduled for 17:00 BST on Tuesday.
The Nomads finished second in last season's Cymru Premier, securing their place in Europe, while Rhys Griffiths' Penybont qualified through the play-offs.
Richard Davies' Caernarfon Town, known as the Canaries, secured the Welsh Cup for the first time in their history by defeating Flint Town United 3-0 at Newport's Rodney Parade in April. This victory grants them a spot in European competition for the second time in three seasons.
Additional Notes
There is mention of Europe-bound Penybont receiving 'significant new investment' and striker Young rejoining Welsh champions TNS, indicating ongoing developments within Welsh football clubs preparing for European contests.
