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01 Jan 2026
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01 Jan 2026
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Derry City won through two rounds of Europe last season.
Derry City will face FCB Magpies of Gibraltar in the First Qualifying Round of this season’s Europa Conference League.
Both the Candystripes and Shelbourne will face opposition from the same country as Damien Duff’s side have also been drawn to face Gibraltar side St. Joseph’s FC.
It is a good draw for Ruaidhri Higgins and his players, who will fancy their chances of progressing beyond another round in Europe this season, with the Magpies having lost to League of Ireland opposition in Dundalk last season. The Lilywhites drew 0-0 in Gibraltar before winning 3-1 at Oriel Park, with current City striker Pat Hoban opening the scoring on the night.
Only Stephen Kenny has amassed more wins in Europe as Derry City manager, and victory over the Magpies could see Higgins equal and even surpass Kenny’s record in what will be his third foray into Europe as City boss.
Derry City defeated HB Torshavn of the Faroe Islands and KuPS of Finland last season, and even won the second leg of their tie against Tobol Lostanay of Kazakhstan before going out of the competition on a penalty shoot-out.
The First Qualifying Round ties will be played July 11 and 18 with full fixture details to be confirmed.
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