Hajduk and Rijeka to Learn Playoff Opponents Today
The draw is scheduled for 2 PM, and both clubs must first get through the third qualifying round to reach the group stage battle.
The draw is scheduled for 2 PM, and both clubs must first get through the third qualifying round to reach the group stage battle.
Hajduk and Rijeka will learn their potential opponents in the Conference League playoff round today, August 3, 2026. The draw, organized by UEFA, begins at 2 PM and can be followed live on UEFA's official website.
Before even thinking about the playoffs, both Croatian representatives must clear the hurdle of the third qualifying round. The Split side will face Lithuanian champions Žalgiris from Vilnius, while Rijeka is set to take on Finland's Ilves from Tampere. The third qualifying round matches are scheduled for this and next Thursday, with the playoffs set for August 20 and 27, 2026.
If Hajduk eliminates the most decorated Lithuanian club, one of five potential opponents awaits in the playoffs. These include the loser of the Jagiellonia-Rangers tie, the winner of the Debrecen-Copenhagen clash, the loser of the PAOK-Anderlecht matchup, the winner of the Raków-Hammarby tie, and the better side from the Ajax-Shelbourne encounter.
Rijeka has so far recorded two wins in the Conference League against Northern Ireland's Derry City. If they get past Finland's Ilves, they will face one of the following opponents in the playoffs: the winner of the Bohemians-Midtjylland tie, Monaco, the winner of the Göteborg-Gent clash, Brighton, or the loser of the Pafos-RB Salzburg matchup.
It's worth noting that the Conference League playoff round is the final step before the group stage of the competition.
