Sunderland will host AZ Alkmaar this Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Stadium of Light on the occasion of the opening matchday of the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League. The Black Cats had a historic campaign last year to qualify for the Europa League.

Enzo Le Fee's penalty ensured Sunderland kicked off their Europa League adventure with a 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light. Wednesday's match was the Black Cats' first taste of European football in 53 years and they put in a dominant first-half display before being put under pressure after the restart when Kees Smit fired narrowly wide.

Sports Mole previews Wednesday's Europa League clash between Sunderland and AZ Alkmaar, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

There will be plenty of eyes on Brian Brobbey as Sunderland take on AZ Alkmaar in their opening game of the Europa League at the Stadium of Light

Sunderland claimed their first European win for 53 years as Enzo Le Fée's second-half penalty proved the difference in a 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar.

AZ open their Europa League campaign away to Sunderland on Wednesday. The English side fell a long way before becoming known mainly for the Netflix series Sunderland 'Til I Die. N

Sunderland are preparing for a night that supporters have waited more than half a century to witness. The Black Cats begin their Europa League campaign against AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night, bringing continental football back to Wearside for the first time since 1973.

The day that darkness descended over Wearside and the Stadium of Light as Sunderland suffered relegation to the third tier of English football just two seasons after being demoted from the Premier League.