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League: EPLSport: SoccerCountry: EnglandCategory: Scores & Results

Sunderland hosts AZ Alkmaar in Europa League clash at Stadium of Light

9 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 5:00 AM

Last updated Sep 18, 2026

Sunderland hosts AZ Alkmaar in Europa League clash at Stadium of Light
Summary

Sunderland faces AZ Alkmaar tonight at the Stadium of Light in their first Europa League match in over 50 years. The Black Cats aim to build on their rich history as they take on an experienced Dutch side known for their attacking style. AZ arrives in fine form, having won the 2026 Johan Cruyff Shield and currently sitting at the top of the Eredivisie. The match marks a significant moment for Sunderland as they rekindle their European journey. The tactical battle features AZ's possession-oriented approach that emphasizes movement and quick transitions.

Source Links
Yahoo SportsThe Guardian SportSky Sports
Status Watch
  • •Match kicks off on September 16, 2026.
  • •Sunderland last played AZ in a friendly in 2005, winning 1-0.
  • •AZ Alkmaar won the Johan Cruyff Shield this year with a 4-0 victory.
  • •AZ is currently at the top of the Eredivisie with 16 points.
  • •Sunderland's last European appearance was over 50 years ago.
Latest Updates
  • 5:00 AMYahoo Sports — Sunderland Are Back in Europe – And What a Night It Was
  • 5:30 PMThe Guardian Sport — Sunderland v AZ, Milan v Benfica and more: Europa League clockwatch – live
  • 3:18 PMYahoo Sports — Sunderland fans ready for 'raucous' Europe return
  • 11:18 AMYahoo Sports — Sunderland Fans Deserve Historic Europa League Moment After Years Of Darkness
  • 5:30 AMYahoo Sports — Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar – Predicted lineup and team news
  • 5:30 AMYahoo Sports — Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar – Match preview and team news
  • 5:00 AMYahoo Sports — Sunderland v AZ Alkmaar: The Tactical Battle Under the Lights
What they're saying
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⚽ Live updates from the 8pm BST kick-offs ⚽ European roundup: Inter roar back to beat Udinese ⚽ Get in touch! Email Niall with any thoughts Sunderland’s only previous European campaign came in 1973-74, when they balanced a Division Two campaign with fixtures against Hungary’s Vasas and Sporting of Portugal, whose players spent time with the locals before losing 2-1 at Roker Park. A 2-0 victory back in Lisbon was enough to end Sunderland’s continental ambitions … until now. After an extraordinary return to the Premier League and a seventh-place finish, Sunderland have another ticket to Europe, this time with eight fixtures guaranteed. First to visit the Stadium of Light are Dutch outfit AZ, mainstays of the Europa and Conference Leagues, who will offer a fair test of their hosts’ readiness for the long road towards the final in Frankfurt. Continue reading...

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Sunderland are preparing to feature in European competition for the first time in more than 50 years when they welcome AZ Alkmaar to the Stadium of Light in their opening Europa League match of the se...

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Sunderland is set to play their first European competition in over half a century as they host AZ Alkmaar in their opening Europa League fixture this season on Wednesday at the Stadium of Light.Sunder...

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