Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Preview & Prediction | 2026-27 UEFA Europa League | League Phase

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The Stadium of Light will be rocking for the visit of Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, Sunderland’s first European fixture since 1973.

Kick-off date/time: 16 September 2026 at 8:00 pm

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – HBO Max / USA – Paramount+

Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar prediction

Despite having to go back over 50 years for the last time Sunderland featured in UEFA competition, they will still be seen as one of the contenders to potentially win this season’s Europa League. That is due to the financial power of the Premier League clubs compared to the rest of the field. With that in mind, Regis Le Bris’ side will head into this game as favourites against AZ Alkmaar despite the Eredivisie club having reached the Europa League round of 16 as recently as 2025. 

It's the strength in depth of this Sunderland squad that will likely prove decisive in this one. Le Bris can call upon players capable of maintaining high performance levels the longer this game goes and whilst AZ Alkmaar tire, the Black Cats should grow strong. That makes it well worth backing Sunderland to pick up three points in their European return.

Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar tip: Sunderland to win