Sunderland set to face AC Milan in Europa League after historic draw

Sunderland will return to European football after a 53‑year absence, having last played in the 1973–74 Inter‑Cities Fairs Cup. The club’s qualification for the 2026–27 Europa League group stage marks a milestone for the Black Cats and their supporters.

The Black Cats are drawn into a group that includes Italy’s AC Milan, fellow Premier League side Bournemouth, and a fourth club that will be revealed later. Sunderland will open the campaign with a trip to the San Siro, while Bournemouth will also face the Italian giants in the same group.

For Sunderland fans, the prospect of watching the team compete against one of Europe’s elite clubs is a source of excitement and pride. The club’s return to continental competition is seen as a sign of progress following a period of rebuilding in the English leagues.

The first match against AC Milan will take place at the San Siro, a stadium that has hosted countless high‑profile fixtures. The Black Cats will have to adapt to the challenging atmosphere and the tactical demands of a top‑tier Italian side.

After the opening fixture, Sunderland will face the other group opponents in a series of home and away ties. The group stage will run from early September to mid‑December, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout phase.

The Europa League campaign offers Sunderland a chance to raise its profile, attract new supporters and potentially boost revenue. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team performs on the European stage and what impact it may have on the club’s future ambitions.