Sofia, Bulgaria – CSKA Sofia has designated Vasil Levski National Stadium as its primary venue for European competitions in the 2026/27 season, according to reports from Bulgarian sports media. The move comes as the club continues construction on its new home, the Bulgarian Army Stadium, and navigates UEFA licensing requirements for participation in continental tournaments.
The decision to utilize the Vasil Levski Stadium, Bulgaria’s national stadium, ensures CSKA Sofia has a UEFA-approved facility for its potential appearances in competitions like the Europa League or the Conference League. Even as the new Bulgarian Army Stadium is progressing, it still requires inspection and certification from UEFA to meet the necessary standards – specifically, Category Four status – a process expected to be completed by the end of August. This careful planning reflects CSKA’s serious preparation for European football, a goal that hinges on both infrastructure and on-field performance.
New Stadium, Familiar Ground for Early Stages
CSKA Sofia has officially listed the new Bulgarian Army Stadium as a secondary option in its UEFA documentation, signaling its intent to transition home matches there as soon as it receives the green light. The club anticipates hosting early qualifying rounds at the Vasil Levski Stadium, with a potential shift to the new ground should they advance further in the tournaments. The timeline is crucial, as the first qualifying rounds for European competitions are scheduled for July 9th and 16th.
The Bulgarian Army Stadium’s completion and subsequent UEFA inspection are key milestones for the club. Receiving the necessary license and Category Four designation will not only allow CSKA to host European matches but also enhance the overall fan experience and contribute to the development of Bulgarian football infrastructure.
Cup Competition as a Pathway to Europe
Beyond the logistical considerations of stadium selection, CSKA Sofia has a clear objective: winning the Bulgarian Cup. Securing the trophy would guarantee a spot in the Europa League, providing a direct route to European competition. The Bulgarian Cup winner enters the competition in the first qualifying round, with matches slated for July 9th and 16th.
Should CSKA not win the Bulgarian Cup, qualification for the Europa Conference League remains a possibility, dependent on their league finish and UEFA coefficient rankings. In that scenario, the club would begin its European campaign in the second qualifying round, with matches scheduled for July 23rd and 30th. The group stages of all three major European tournaments – the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League – are set to begin in early September.
Recent European History at Vasil Levski
CSKA Sofia has recent experience playing European matches at the Vasil Levski National Stadium. On August 18, 2022, the club secured a 1-0 victory over Basel in a playoff match for entry into the Europa Conference League group stages. Prior to that, a year earlier, they suffered a 2-0 loss to Sepsi, but that match was played at the Bulgarian Army Stadium.
The club’s decision to return to Vasil Levski for the initial stages of the 2026/27 European campaign represents a pragmatic approach, ensuring compliance with UEFA regulations while the new stadium nears completion. It also allows the club to leverage the familiarity and atmosphere of a venue where they have previously experienced European success.
Currently, CSKA Sofia remains in contention for the Bulgarian league title, although they trail the league leader, Levski, by 13 points. If they were to qualify for the Champions League, their entry point would also be the second qualifying round, with matches scheduled for July 21/22 and 28/29.
The club’s preparations for the 2026/27 season are well underway, encompassing both infrastructure development and on-field ambitions. The coming months will be critical as CSKA Sofia strives to secure its place in European competition and usher in a new era for the club at the modernized Bulgarian Army Stadium.
As the club awaits UEFA’s final inspection of the new Bulgarian Army Stadium at the end of August, fans and stakeholders will be closely watching for updates on the stadium’s certification and the club’s progress in the Bulgarian Cup.
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