Conference League: Welsh clubs discover European opponents

The UEFA Conference League first qualifying-round draw has taken place, with the three Cymru Premier sides now aware of their opponents ahead of ties set to be played next month.

All three clubs will begin their campaigns with home first legs before travelling for the return fixtures, as they look to progress into the next stage of European competition.

Ties are currently pencilled in for Thursday, July 9, with the return legs scheduled for a week later on July 16, although these dates remain subject to change depending on the availability of the respective venues. All three Welsh clubs are set to use different home grounds for their fixtures, and final confirmation of kick-off dates and venues is still to be agreed.

Caernarfon Town

Caernarfon Town begin their European campaign with a home tie against Estonia’s Levadia Tallinn.

The Estonian side brings a strong European pedigree and has previously faced Welsh opposition on multiple occasions. They famously defeated The New Saints 6-2 on aggregate in the Champions League back in 2000, and later overcame Bala Town 3-2 in the Europa League in 2013.

Caernarfon Town will be aiming to make home advantage count before heading to Tallinn for the return leg. It is hoped that The Oval will host the fixture, with the club having played the entirety of the 2025/26 season away due to ongoing ground improvement works. The venue is currently staging UEFA U19 EURO fixtures, meaning it is expected to meet UEFA’s required standards for the match.

It will be a difficult challenge for the Canaries, with Levadia Tallinn already well into their domestic campaign. The Estonian side currently lead the Premium Liiga by nine points after 15 matches, giving them a potential fitness and sharpness advantage heading into the tie.

They also boast several current internationals within their squad, including Frank Liivak, captain Rasmus Peetson and Tanel Tammik, all of whom were included in Estonia’s most recent national team squad.

Connah’s Quay Nomads

Connah’s Quay Nomads have been drawn against Kosovan champions FC Ballkani, with the first leg taking place at Colwyn Bay’s Blue Turtle Arena.

Ballkani arrive with recent European experience, having reached the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage in the 2023/24 season and also recorded victories over NIFL Premiership Larne. The Nomads will host the opening match before travelling to Kosovo for the decisive second leg.

Penybont

Penybont FC also face familiar opposition in the form of Andorran side FC Santa Coloma, in a repeat of their 2023/24 meeting.

The previous encounter saw the sides draw 1–1 in Bridgend before Penybont secured progression with a 2–0 extra-time victory in Andorra. This time, the first leg will be staged at the Cardiff City Stadium, offering a larger venue for their European home fixture as they look to repeat their success and advance once again.