N.E.C. Nijmegen has confirmed its official squad for the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League. The list, published this week by ESPN, contains all the players manager Rogier Meijer can call upon for the group stage of the European competition.
It's a significant step for the club from the Goffert, which secured its place in Europe after a strong Eredivisie season. The squad reflects the current core of the team and offers insight into the options Meijer has for the dual challenge of domestic and European matches. Fans can always view the full team lineup on our squad page.
Who is in the squad?
The UEFA list is divided into goalkeepers and outfield players. Among the goalkeepers, established figures like first-choice keeper Jasper Cillessen are included. He is backed by his regular deputies, providing experience and stability at the back. In defence and midfield, all the regular starters are present, from the central defenders to the creative attacking midfielders.
Up front, the attacking line is complete, featuring the strikers who provided the goals last season. The squad also includes several young talents who could seize their chance on the European stage. The average age of the squad is around 26, indicating a healthy balance. The current Eredivisie standings show why N.E.C. qualified for this adventure.
What are the registration rules?
UEFA sets specific regulations for the composition of a Europa League squad. Clubs must submit a List A, which includes restrictions on the number of 'locally trained' players. N.E.C. Nijmegen has met these requirements with its current group.
The list is final for the group stage, meaning changes are only possible again after the winter break, ahead of the knockout phase. Until then, the team must rely on the currently registered players, barring an emergency. This highlights the importance of having a deep and versatile squad.
What does the schedule look like?
The Europa League group stage kicks off later this month. N.E.C. Nijmegen faces a series of six matches, played on Thursday evenings between September and December. It's a busy schedule that runs alongside regular Eredivisie fixtures and KNVB Cup matches.
For the players, this means an intensive period with considerable travel. The club will have to manage its resources to remain competitive in all competitions. The exact match schedule, with dates and opponents, can be found on our fixtures overview. The first European match is scheduled for 17 September 2026.
What does this mean for the rest of the season?
The confirmation of the European squad marks the start of a new chapter. It allows manager Meijer to finalise his tactical plans for Europe. Players named on the list know they are in contention for minutes on the continental stage.
For the club as a whole, participation brings additional exposure and revenue. It's a chance to further raise the international profile of N.E.C. Nijmegen. The focus now is on proper preparation, with the fitness and condition of the squad being paramount. The latest fitness updates can be followed via the injuries page. The Europa League squad is now set and N.E.C.'s first European outing of the season begins in two weeks.
