Sunderland make their long-awaited return to European football on Wednesday evening, with AZ Alkmaar providing the opposition at the Stadium of Light in the opening round of the Europa League league phase.

More than half a century has passed since the Black Cats last appeared in UEFA competition, but Regis Le Bris’s side will quickly discover the size of the challenge awaiting them against an AZ team that have started the Dutch season in excellent form.

Analysis

Sunderland

Sunderland’s rise has been remarkable. As recently as five seasons ago they were playing in League One, yet last season’s seventh-place Premier League finish earned them a first European campaign since 1973.

Their start to 2026-27 has been less spectacular, with two victories, a draw and two defeats across their first five domestic fixtures.

Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Arsenal was nevertheless more competitive than the scoreline might suggest. Le Bris felt his team were capable of matching the reigning champions for long periods, but Sunderland were ultimately punished by opponents possessing greater quality in decisive moments.

The immediate task is to put that disappointment aside and embrace an occasion that should generate an exceptional atmosphere on Wearside.

Sunderland’s previous home European fixture came against Sporting Lisbon in the Cup Winners’ Cup more than five decades ago, so Wednesday represents genuinely unfamiliar territory for both the club and its current generation of supporters.

Le Bris will also understand the importance of accumulating points at the Stadium of Light. The Europa League’s league-phase format offers little room for prolonged adjustment, and Sunderland’s home fixtures could prove crucial to their prospects of progressing.

The hosts do have several selection issues. Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle remain injured, while Chemsdine Talbi, Jocelin Ta Bi, Melker Ellborg, Alan Browne and Aji Alese were not included in Sunderland’s European squad.

Reinildo Mandava is available despite his dismissal against Arsenal, as his resulting suspension applies domestically rather than in UEFA competition.

Granit Xhaka’s experience should be particularly valuable in midfield on a night when Sunderland will need to manage the emotional intensity surrounding their European return. Enzo Le Fee provides creativity alongside him, while former Ajax striker Brian Brobbey offers a physical focal point against familiar Dutch opposition. Malick Fofana is another option after his recent arrival and will be pushing for his first start.

AZ Alkmaar

Sunderland may be the Premier League representatives, but AZ have significantly more recent experience of navigating European competition.

Their place in this season’s Europa League was secured through last season’s KNVB Beker triumph, when they dismantled NEC 5-1 in the final.

Leeroy Echteld’s side have carried that momentum into the new campaign.

A 4-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Johan Cruyff Shield provided an emphatic opening statement, and AZ subsequently took 16 points from their first six Eredivisie matches.

Victories over Den Haag, Utrecht, Fortuna Sittard, Go Ahead Eagles and Heerenveen were followed by Friday’s 1-1 draw against Willem II. That result represented a minor frustration after AZ conceded late, but it did little to diminish an impressive opening to the season.

Their attacking numbers are particularly noteworthy. AZ scored 16 times across those first six league fixtures, including four against Utrecht and five against Go Ahead Eagles, so Sunderland cannot afford to allow the visitors space when possession turns over.

Ro-Zangelo Daal has been central to that productivity, beginning the campaign with five goals from seven appearances. His threat from the left should give Sunderland’s defence plenty to consider, while Mexx Meerdink and Calvin Stengs can complete a technically accomplished front three.

Former Southampton midfielder Jordy Clasie provides experience and control in the middle of the pitch, where Peer Koopmeiners and Dave Kwakman are also expected to feature.

There are absences, though. Kees Smit’s groin problem removes an important midfield option, while Denso Kasius and Stije Resink are also unavailable. Hobie Verhulst cannot feature after being left out of the European squad.

AZ’s record against English clubs also offers Sunderland encouragement. The Dutch side have won only three of their previous 22 European encounters with English opposition, losing 14.

Their recent European pedigree cannot be dismissed, however. AZ reached the Conference League quarter-finals last season and have become accustomed to continental football in a way Sunderland simply have not.

Verdict

This is a fascinating test of Sunderland’s progress.

The Stadium of Light should provide a significant advantage on an historic night, and Le Bris has enough Premier League quality at his disposal to trouble AZ. Xhaka’s European experience could be especially important in preventing the occasion from becoming too frantic.

Yet the visitors arrive in excellent form and possess several dangerous attacking players. AZ’s 16 goals from their opening six Eredivisie matches underline their ability to punish mistakes, while their recent experience in UEFA competition gives them another advantage.

Sunderland may have to accept periods without the ball and resist the temptation to force the issue in front of an expectant crowd. There should be opportunities at both ends, but neither side looks substantially stronger than the other going into the opener.

Our prediction: Sunderland 1-1 AZ Alkmaar.

Tip

Our tip: Both teams to score.