In the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League knockout phase play-off draw held on Friday, Nottingham Forest were paired against Turkish side Fenerbahçe, setting up a challenging two-leg tie as both clubs vie for a spot in the last 16. Forest finished 13th in the league phase and will play the first leg in Istanbul on February 19, before hosting the return at the City Ground a week later. The winners could go on to face either Midtjylland or Real Betis next.

Scottish giants Celtic also learned their opponent, drawing German outfit Stuttgart in their play-off clash after securing their place with a win over Utrecht. Celtic will host the first leg at Celtic Park on February 19, with the return in Germany on February 26. Should both Forest and Celtic advance, the two British teams might even meet each other in the next round.