Sunderland faces AZ Alkmaar in Europa League opener at Stadium of Light
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 16, 2026, 8:00 AM
Last updated Sep 16, 2026
Sunderland hosts AZ Alkmaar in their first Europa League match of the season on September 16, 2026. The game kicks off at 20:00 at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland looks to make a memorable impact after years out of European competition, while AZ Alkmaar enters the match unbeaten in the Eredivisie, having won five and drawn one of their six games this season. Both teams finished seventh in their respective leagues last season, setting the stage for a competitive encounter.
- •Sunderland and AZ Alkmaar meet for their first competitive match.
- •Sunderland's manager may field new players Methalie and Fofana.
- •AZ Alkmaar has a strong start in the Eredivisie, unbeaten in six matches.
- •Sunderland's emotional return to European football is highlighted by fan sentiment.
- •Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 local time at the Stadium of Light.
- 8:00 AMYahoo Sports — Match Preview: Sunderland v AZ Alkmaar — The Lads Kick-Off In The Europa League
- 8:00 AMYahoo Sports — Fan Focus: What Can Sunderland Expect from AZ Alkmaar
"Ahead of Sunderland’s match tonight, we spoke to Martijn from AZFanPage to find out more about our Dutch opponents.
"We’ve waited for this moment for a long time, it could get emotional.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 16, 2026, 8:00 AMMatch Preview: Sunderland v AZ Alkmaar — The Lads Kick-Off In The Europa League
We’ve waited for this moment for a long time, it could get emotional.
- Yahoo SportsSep 16, 2026, 8:00 AMFan Focus: What Can Sunderland Expect from AZ Alkmaar
Ahead of Sunderland’s match tonight, we spoke to Martijn from AZFanPage to find out more about our Dutch opponents.
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