The 2026 UEFA Europa League Final is set for a thrilling showdown as German side SC Freiburg takes on English club Aston Villa at the iconic Beşiktaş Stadium on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Football fans around the world are eagerly waiting for one of the biggest nights in European club football as both teams chase continental glory in Istanbul.
This year’s Europa League final marks the 55th edition of UEFA’s secondary club competition and the 17th season since the tournament was renamed from the UEFA Cup to the UEFA Europa League. Freiburg are appearing in one of the biggest matches in club history, while Aston Villa are aiming to add another major European trophy to their collection.
Final Scores
| Competition | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA Europa League Final | Freiburg vs Aston Villa | Freiburg 0–3 Aston Villa |
Goal Scorers
| Team | Scorer | Minute |
|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | Youri Tielemans | 40′ |
| Aston Villa | Emiliano Buendía | 45+2′ |
| Aston Villa | Morgan Rogers | 57′ |
Freiburg vs Aston Villa Kickoff Time
Supporters across the United States can watch the match live at the following times:
| Time Zone | Date | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Time | Wed, May 20 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Wed, May 20 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Wed, May 20 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Wed, May 20 | 12:00 p.m. |
The atmosphere inside Beşiktaş Stadium is expected to be electric, with thousands of supporters from Germany and England traveling to Turkey for the final.
Confirmed Starting Lineups
SC Freiburg Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
- Atubolu (GK)
- Kubler
- Ginter
- Lienhart
- Treu
- Eggestein
- Hofler
- Beste
- Manzambi
- Grifo
- Matanovic
Freiburg manager will rely heavily on the creativity of Grifo and the attacking movement of Matanovic. The German side has impressed throughout the competition with disciplined defending and quick transitions.
Aston Villa Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
- Emiliano Martinez (GK)
- Cash
- Konsa
- Torres
- Digne
- Lindelof
- Tielemans
- McGinn
- Rogers
- Buendia
- Watkins
Aston Villa enter the final with strong attacking quality led by Ollie Watkins. The Premier League club will look to use the experience of Martinez, Tielemans, and McGinn in this high-pressure encounter.
Match Officials
The UEFA officiating team for the final includes experienced French referee François Letexier.
| Role | Official |
|---|---|
| Referee | François Letexier (France) |
| Assistant Referee 1 | Cyril Mugnier (France) |
| Assistant Referee 2 | Mehdi Rahmouni (France) |
| Fourth Official | Alejandro Hernández Hernández (Spain) |
| Reserve AR | José Naranjo Pérez (Spain) |
| VAR | Jérôme Brisard (France) |
| AVAR | Willy Delajod (France) |
| SVAR | Dennis Higler (Netherlands) |
Final Match Preview and Score Updates
Both clubs have enjoyed memorable Europa League campaigns. Freiburg reached the final through organized defending and efficient counterattacks, while Aston Villa showcased attacking power and strong midfield control throughout the knockout stages.
Villa may enter the final as slight favorites due to their squad depth and Premier League experience, but Freiburg have already proven they can compete with Europe’s top clubs. Fans can expect an intense tactical battle with chances at both ends of the pitch.
Live score updates, key moments, goals, substitutions, and the final result will decide who lifts the 2026 UEFA Europa League trophy in Istanbul.