Key Points
- VfB Stuttgart fans submitted 30,000 ticket applications for the UEFA Europa League playoff match at Celtic Park on 19 February 2026.
- The first leg pits VfB Stuttgart against Celtic FC in Glasgow, Scotland, with the return leg at MHP Arena on 26 February 2026.
- VfB Stuttgart qualified as 11th in the Europa League league phase with 15 points, while Celtic finished 21st with 11 points.
- This marks VfB Stuttgart’s first knockout round appearance in a European competition in 13 years.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) February 6, 2026 – VfB Stuttgart have received an overwhelming 30,000 ticket applications from supporters eager to attend the UEFA Europa League playoff first leg against Celtic FC at Celtic Park.
The match, scheduled for Thursday, 19 February 2026, at 20:00 local time, underscores the high anticipation among Stuttgart fans for this European knockout clash. According to reporting from The Celtic Star, the demand far exceeds available away allocations, highlighting the passion of the VfB faithful.
What sparked such high demand from VfB Stuttgart fans?
The fixture draws significant interest as VfB Stuttgart return to European knockout football after 13 years, facing the storied Celtic FC at their iconic Celtic Park stadium in Glasgow. VfB’s official channels confirm the first leg away on 19 February, with the return at home on 26 February.
As reported by Fabian Wohlgemuth of VfB Stuttgart, Celtic Glasgow represents a prestigious name in European football, requiring top performances to advance. The club qualified with 15 points in the league phase, surpassing Celtic’s 11 points.
How does this matchup fit into the broader context?
Celtic Park, with a capacity of around 60,000, will host the contest as part of the UEFA Europa League knockout playoffs, with winners advancing to the round of 16 draw on 27 February. VfB Stuttgart’s last meetings with Celtic were in the 2002/03 UEFA Cup, ending in elimination despite a home win.
What are the historical stakes for both clubs?
Celtic boast a rich European pedigree, including the 1967 European Cup triumph, alongside recent league-phase victories over Feyenoord, Sturm Graz, and Utrecht. VfB Stuttgart view the home second leg advantage as key, crediting fan support for prior home successes.
What lies ahead for the playoff series?
Ticket platforms indicate strong secondary market activity for both legs, with prices reflecting demand. UEFA fixtures confirm the 21:00 CET kick-off for the away game, adjusted to 20:00 local time in Scotland.
Both clubs prepare for a competitive tie, with VfB Stuttgart aiming to leverage their higher league-phase standing and home advantage in the decisive return leg.
