Brighton to host Kauno Žalgiris at American Express Stadium in opening Conference League league-phase match on October 15, 2026
Brighton & Hove Albion will host Futbolo Klubas Kauno Žalgiris at the American Express Stadium on October 15, 2026, in the opening league-phase match of the 2026-27 UEFA Conference League. The fixture kicks off Brighton's campaign in the competition and is Kauno Žalgiris's first match of the season in the Conference League.
Brighton enter the game on the back of strong domestic results, having beaten Arsenal 3-0 and then recorded a 2-0 victory over Sunderland. The Seagulls secured their place in the Conference League by defeating Eliteserien side Tromso in the qualifiers. Fabian Hürzeler’s side will play at home and are described as full of confidence. Kauno Žalgiris arrive as A Lyga champions under coach Željko Sopić and will be the visiting team.
Pascal Gross, 35, is highlighted among Brighton's players after the 2-0 win against Sunderland, where he covered the most distance in the match at 12.8km and supplied a crucial assist. Gross is expected to be a key attacking outlet and "will be looking to come up with another top effort and will be a constant threat with the ball at his feet."
Midfielder Fabien Ourega, 33, is also singled out as a player who can influence the game by controlling midfield and operating on the right flank. The report states Ourega "will be looking to step up his game so that he can help his side secure a positive outcome in their opening game of the UEFA Conference League campaign."
For Kauno Žalgiris, the match represents their first Conference League game of the season and is described as a challenging assignment against a Premier League opponent. The coverage states the Green-Whites "should come up with a strong tactic if they want to outplay the Premier League club."
The result will open the league phase of the 2026-27 UEFA Conference League for both clubs and serve as the first group-stage test of Brighton's and Kauno Žalgiris's campaigns in the competition.