NEC’s maiden Champions League draw could see them face Lyon, Bodø/Glimt, Olympiakos or the winner of the Fenerbahçe‑Górnik Zabrze tie in the upcoming qualifying round

On Monday, 20 July, NEC will step into the Champions League draw for the first time, with the Nijmegenaren club set to enter the third qualifying round of the lucrative competition at 12:00. The draw will pair the Eredivisie side with one of four seeded opponents.

NEC secured third place in the Eredivisie last season, which granted the club a ticket to the Champions League first qualifying round. The team is coached by Dick Schreuder, who now faces the task of navigating the third qualifying round and the subsequent play‑offs.

The draw for the third qualifying round is scheduled for Monday 20 July. NEC will learn its opponent at 12:00 on that day, marking the club’s first appearance in a Champions League draw. The Champions League-loting will take place on Monday.

Based on its club coefficient, NEC does not have enough points for a seeded status. As an unseeded side, it will be paired with a seeded club, narrowing the possibilities to Olympique Lyon, FK Bodø/Glimt, Olympiakos Piraeus, or the winner of the Fenerbahçe‑Górnik Zabrze tie.

If drawn, NEC’s first leg will take place on Tuesday 4 August or Wednesday 5 August, with the return match slated for 11 August. The exact dates depend on the scheduling of the opponent.

A victory in the third qualifying round would advance NEC to the Champions League play‑offs, the final hurdle before the group stage. Conversely, a defeat would drop the Nijmegenaren into the Europa League’s competitive phase.

De play‑offs draw is set for Monday 3 August, determining the next opponent should NEC progress. The outcome of that draw will shape the remainder of the club’s European campaign.