Gent vs Hibernian

Gent host Hibernian in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round tie on 20 August 2026, with the stadia buffs at their usual Planet Group Arena home. The Belgian side booked this date after a goalless draw and penalty shootout win over LNZ Cherkasy, while the Scottish visitors arrive in Belgium having just survived a draining second leg in North Macedonia to keep their European adventure alive.

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Hibernian manager David Gray described how his squad had to put their bodies on the line in the heat of Skopje, stating that after the final whistle every single player had their head in an ice bucket because of the conditions. Recovering from that exertion for a Thursday night in Belgium will be the biggest selection factor. Warren O'Hora's late winner at Easter Road in the first leg against Shkendija ultimately proved decisive over the two legs, and the Irish defender is likely to feature prominently again if fit.

Gent do not enter this round on the back of high-scoring momentum. The Belgian side needed extra time and penalties to edge past LNZ Cherkasy in the previous round, a tie that finished 0-0 on aggregate across 210 minutes. They have since navigated domestic responsibilities, but the lack of goals in that European clash will be a concern for head coach Wouter Vrancken as he prepares his starting eleven.