Dynamo Kyiv Prepares for the 2026/27 Europa League Campaign
Following their victory in the 2025/26 Ukrainian Cup final, Dynamo Kyiv is now turning its attention to the 2026/27 Europa League. The club will enter the competition in the first qualifying round (Q1) as a seeded team. Initially, 16 teams were expected to compete in Q1, but Aston Villa’s triumph in the Europa League final caused the cup winners from Switzerland, Israel, Cyprus, and Sweden to move directly to Q2. As a result, only 12 teams remain in Q1, with Dynamo facing six potential opponents.
Dynamo's Possible Q1 Opponents
The six teams Dynamo could meet in the Europa League’s first qualifying round are:
- Vojvodina (Serbia)
- Žilina (Slovakia)
- Universitatea Cluj (Romania)
- Aluminij (Slovenia)
- Derry City (Ireland)
- Vestri (Iceland)
To reach the Europa League group stage, Dynamo must overcome four opponents across rounds Q1 through Q4. If eliminated, the team will drop into the Conference League.
The draw for Q1 of the 2026/27 Europa League is scheduled for June 16, with matches set to take place on July 9 and 16. Meanwhile, the club is undergoing roster changes. Oleksandr Karavaev, who had been part of Shakhtar Donetsk’s system since 2011, has declined to extend his contract with Dynamo and will return to Shakhtar, where he has been offered a two-year deal. Karavaev had been with Dynamo since July 2019, playing 31 matches this season, scoring four goals, and providing five assists. His current contract with Dynamo runs until the end of the season.
As Dynamo gears up for Europa League qualification, these personnel shifts could impact their preparations for the new season. Losing a key player like Karavaev presents a significant challenge for the coaching staff as they plan their strategy for the qualifying rounds. The team will need to adapt to the new lineup and maximize its chances of advancing to the tournament’s main stage.
As Dynamo Kyiv navigates the challenges of the upcoming Europa League qualifiers, the departure of Oleksandr Karavaev could significantly affect their squad dynamics. For a deeper insight into his decision to return to Shakhtar Donetsk, and how it might influence Dynamo's strategy, read more about Karavaev's contract situation.