Bosnian champions FK Borac Banja Luka will host Bulgarian league winners Levski Sofia at the Gradski Stadion on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round.
This marks the first competitive meeting between the two clubs.
Under manager Vinko Marinovic, Borac Banja Luka secured their fourth domestic league title during the 2025-26 season with 27 victories, five draws, and four defeats from 36 matches.
Levski Sofia, led by head coach Julio Velazquez, broke a 17-year domestic title drought by earning 70 points across 30 matches, finishing ten points clear of traditional powerhouse Ludogorets Razgrad.
Other Qualifying Developments
In other Champions League qualifying news, Welsh domestic runners-up Connah's Quay Nomads saw their standout performer transition back to full-time football ahead of the continental tournament.
Rhys Hughes, winger for The New Saints, expressed enthusiasm about joining the full-time training setup.
"You want to be playing full-time and doing this every day and that will just help your performances on the pitch - being sharper and fitter," he said.
Hughes credited his formative years at the Everton academy for shaping his professional skillset.
"I spent all my childhood there from aged five until I was 20, which is a long time," he noted.
Following his departure from Everton, a stint with Tranmere Rovers preceded his shift to part-time football in the Cymru Premier.
"Going part-time is different but it makes you want to succeed even more," Hughes said.
His subsequent spell under manager Billy Paynter at Connah's Quay Nomads yielded significant tactical growth and a Welsh Cup final appearance.
"He really instilled the confidence in me to show my ability and be the player I am," Hughes added.
Looking forward to the upcoming European fixtures against Sabah of Azerbaijan, Hughes acknowledged the internal competition.
"It's going to be tough to cement your place but it's a challenge I'm looking forward to," he said.
The upcoming match represents his debut appearance within the primary UEFA club tournament structure.
"It'll be my first time in the Champions League so hopefully it'll be a brilliant experience," Hughes concluded.
