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Navigating the landscape of European football broadcasting can be a challenge, particularly when high-stakes knockout ties involve regional rights and digital-only platforms. This guide is your dedicated resource for the upcoming UEFA Europa League play-off between VfB Stuttgart and Celtic. Whether you are following “Die Roten” from Baden-Württemberg or supporting the “Bhoys” from Glasgow, our breakdown simplifies the process of finding a reliable stream. We have compiled the essential information for the 2026 knockout stage, covering everything from traditional cable networks to the latest mobile apps, ensuring that you can witness every tactical shift regardless of your location.
The 2026 play-off round sees these two historic clubs face off in a battle for a spot in the Round of 16. The first leg is scheduled to take place at Celtic Park on February 19, with the return fixture at the MHPArena in Stuttgart on February 26. For fans in the United States and Canada, the primary gateways for the 2025/26 season remain Paramount+ and DAZN, respectively, offering high-definition coverage and multi-device compatibility. Meanwhile, viewers in the United Kingdom can find the action via TNT Sports, which continues its comprehensive coverage through the discovery+ app and its dedicated linear channels.
Match Schedule and Venues
The beauty of these knockout playoffs is the dramatic shift in atmosphere between the two legs. We begin in the legendary, high-pressure cauldron of Celtic Park before heading to the recently renovated MHP Arena in Stuttgart. While “Paradise” provides an intimidating wall of sound for visitors, the return trip to Germany will be equally intense in one of the Bundesliga’s most modern venues. Pay close attention to the kickoff times, as the legs are staggered to accommodate global broadcast windows.
| Leg | Date | Time (CET) | Venue | City |
| First Leg | Feb 19, 2026 | 21:00 | Celtic Park | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Second Leg | Feb 26, 2026 | 18:45 | MHPArena | Stuttgart, Germany |
Broadcaster Breakdown: Local and Global
In Germany, the home of VfB Stuttgart, the broadcasting landscape is dominated by RTL. The rights for the 2025/26 season allow RTL to show matches across their various platforms. While many games are exclusive to the RTL+ premium streaming service, high-profile knockout matches involving German teams are frequently broadcast free-to-air on the main RTL or Nitro channels. This ensures that the local fanbase can follow Stuttgart’s first major European knockout run in years with ease.
In Scotland and the wider United Kingdom, TNT Sports holds the exclusive rights. For Celtic fans, the matches are typically broadcast on TNT Sports 1 or TNT Sports Ultimate for 4K quality. The discovery+ app is the go-to digital destination for fans on the move, offering every minute of the play-off round.
Across the Atlantic in the United States, CBS Sports is the exclusive English-language home. The vast majority of Europa League matches, including this tie, are found on Paramount+. For Spanish-language commentary, ViX and TUDN provide comprehensive coverage. In Canada, DAZN continues its reign, streaming every match live and on demand through its dedicated app, which is compatible with most smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Choosing the Right VPN to watch VfB Stuttgart vs Celtic Live
For a high-stakes game where every second of low latency counts, you need a provider that prioritizes speed and unblocking capabilities. NordVPN remains the top recommendation for sports fans because of its specialized SmartPlay technology. This is a built-in feature that automatically combines VPN security with Smart DNS, allowing the app to bypass the sophisticated anti-VPN filters used by platforms like DAZN and Paramount+ without you having to mess with any settings.
ExpressVPN is the gold standard if you’re planning to watch on a device that doesn’t natively support VPN apps, like an older Smart TV or a gaming console. Their MediaStreamer service is significantly faster and perfectly suited for 4K streaming. If you’re watching with a large group of friends on multiple devices, Surfshark is an excellent choice because it allows for unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account.
Players to Watch and Tactical Outlook
This tie is a fascinating clash of styles. For VfB Stuttgart, keep your eyes on Bilal El Khannouss; the Moroccan international has been their creative spark in Europe this season, leading the team with 3 goals in the league phase. Alongside him, Deniz Undav remains a clinical finisher whose movement off the ball often baffles defenders. Stuttgart, under Sebastian Hoeneß, favors a high-pressing, fluid attacking system.
Celtic, now under the guidance of Martin O’Neill (who made a sensational return to the dugout in early 2026), relies heavily on the pace and tenacity of Daizen Maeda. In the midfield, Reo Hatate is the engine, having already netted 3 goals in this European campaign. Tactically, Celtic will look to use the atmospheric energy of the first leg to build a lead, knowing that Stuttgart’s defensive line can be vulnerable to direct, high-speed attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the away goals rule still exist?
No. If the aggregate score is level after 180 minutes, the game goes to 30 minutes of extra time and then penalties.
Can I use a free VPN to watch?
While possible, it’s not recommended as free VPNs often have data caps and are usually blocked by major streamers like Paramount+ and discovery+.
Is there a free-to-air option in the UK?
No, TNT Sports is a subscription service. However, highlights are usually made available on the TNT Sports YouTube channel.
What time is kickoff in the USA?
The first leg starts at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT on February 19. The second leg is a morning kickoff at 12:45 PM ET / 9:45 AM PT on February 26.
How can I watch the game in Germany for free?
Check the linear schedules for RTL or Nitro, as they often pick up one German club’s match per week for free-to-air broadcast.
Final Thoughts and Analysis
This tie is on a knife-edge. Stuttgart finished 11th in the league phase, while Celtic clawed their way into 21st, but the “O’Neill effect” has revitalized the Glasgow side. The historical weight of their 2003 meeting—where Celtic famously knocked out Stuttgart on the road to Seville—adds a psychological layer to this encounter.
Stuttgart comes in with superior European form this season, but their away record in the competition (only one win in four) suggests they might struggle in the hostile “Paradise” atmosphere. If Celtic can capitalize on the energy of the home crowd and secure a two-goal cushion, they might just survive the return leg in Germany. However, if Stuttgart’s technical midfield dictates the tempo in Glasgow, their quality should see them through. Expect a high-scoring affair; both teams have shown they can find the net but remain defensively fragile under pressure.
