The convoluted story behind Lillestrom's Europa League qualification

Lillestrom qualified for the Europa League via an unusual route after winning Norway's cup in late 2025, then facing a playoff against Bodø/Glimt after a second cup competition was held to align with European calendars.

Lillestrom's path to the Europa League is unconventional. The Norwegian second-division side won the national cup in late 2025, earning a spot in the 2026/27 Europa League. However, Norway's football federation created an expedited cup competition in early 2026 to synchronize with European calendars, which Bodø/Glimt won. This created a unique situation: two different cup winners competing for one Europa League spot. The resolution involved organizing a playoff between the two champions, an unusual circumstance that has now brought Lillestrom to face Real Sociedad in European competition.