Sunderland are getting ready for one of the most monumental nights in the club’s recent history as they hope to return to the European arena after a 53-year absence in the club’s history. The Black Cats will welcome AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, to the Stadium of Light for their UEFA Europa League campaign and will be playing in front of an expectant home crowd.
A Historic European Return
Sunderland’s return to continental competition is an excellent turnaround for a club that was in and out of the top league in England for many seasons. Their last European appearance was in the 1973-74 Cup Winners' Cup, after their famous 1973 FA Cup win.
That European campaign ended in the second round against Sporting Lisbon. More than 5 decades later, Sunderland are back on the continental stage and this time in the Europa League.
From League One Struggles to Europe
The scale of Sunderland’s revival makes the European adventure so special to supporters. The club went down and down and eventually dropped into League One, England’s third tier.
Their promotion to the Premier League was followed by a fantastic 2025-26 campaign. Sunderland finished seventh in the Premier League, which secured European football for the next season.
For fans who have been there in the darkest years of the club, European nights at the Stadium of Light have been a huge shift in fortunes.
AZ Alkmaar Provide the First Test
The first challenge comes against AZ Alkmaar, so Sunderland will be given an immediate test of their ability to contend for a place outside of England.
European football will require Sunderland to juggle more travel, a variety of styles of play, and a demanding schedule as well as their Premier League commitments. Manager Régis Le Bris will therefore have to balance ambition with squad management throughout the campaign.
The Europa League also is an opportunity for Sunderland to expose their players to a higher level of continental competition.
European nights at the Stadium of Light 😍 pic.twitter.com/IUNS8QsR6a
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) September 13, 2026
Xhaka and Experience Could Be Important
The Sunderland squad is young and experienced. Granit Xhaka has a lot of experience from his career at the highest level, and players like Enzo Le Fée and Brian Brobbey are essential to the development of the team.
The club also strengthened the squad in the summer with the arrival of experienced Belgian defender Thomas Meunier.
Why This European Campaign Matters
For Sunderland, this is much more than just getting points in the Europa League. The campaign is the club’s transformation from a club struggling in the lower divisions to one competing in European football.
It could also help Sunderland build their international profile and attract more commercial interest. The club has already been looking for ways to grow its international fan base, including attempts to connect with fans in North America.
