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European football thrives on high-stakes encounters where tactical precision meets raw passion, and the upcoming UEFA Europa League play-off between KRC Genk and GNK Dinamo Zagreb is a prime example. For fans navigating the maze of regional rights and digital platforms, this guide provides a clear path to the action. Whether you’re rooting for “The Smurfs” in Belgium or the “Blues” in Croatia, we’ve broken down the essential viewing info for the 2026 knockout stage, covering everything from legacy cable networks to the latest mobile streaming tech so you don’t miss a single goal.
The 2026 playoff round sees these two high-scoring sides face off for a spot in the Round of 16. The first leg is scheduled to take place at the Stadion Maksimir on February 19, with the return fixture at the Cegeka Arena in Genk 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 iconic and imposing Stadion Maksimir in Croatia, known for its steep stands and vocal “Bad Blue Boys” supporters. The tie then moves to the Cegeka Arena, a modern football-first stadium where the Belgian atmosphere can be equally intense.
Broadcaster Breakdown: Local and Global
In Belgium, the home of KRC Genk, the broadcasting landscape is split by region and language. For Dutch-speaking fans, VRT (Sporza) often provides free-to-air coverage, while Telenet (Play Sports) offers comprehensive premium packages. French-speaking viewers can rely on RTBF (Auvio) for free-to-air access, alongside BeTV for premium coverage.
In Croatia, Arena Sport remains the primary home for the UEFA Europa League. Every match of the play-off round is broadcast across their dedicated sports channels with extensive pre-match analysis. For fans looking for free-to-air options, HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) typically picks up one major fixture per week.
In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports holds exclusive rights for the 2025/26 season. Matches are usually available on the discovery+ app, which serves as the total digital hub. In the United States, CBS Sports hosts the English broadcast on Paramount+, while ViX handles Spanish-language duties. In Canada, DAZN remains the exclusive home, streaming every match live in full HD.
Choosing the Right VPN to Watch Genk vs Dinamo Zagreb 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 because of its specialized SmartPlay technology. This built-in feature functions as a “hybrid” tool: it automatically combines the security of a VPN with the location-masking of a Smart DNS, allowing the app to bypass the sophisticated anti-VPN filters used by platforms like DAZN and Paramount+ without manual setup.
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 a dedicated Smart DNS that works by redirecting your DNS requests to a location where the stream is available. While this doesn’t offer full encryption, it results in zero speed loss, making it perfectly suited for buffer-free 4K streaming.
If you’re watching with a large group, Surfshark is an excellent choice as it allows for unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account. You can have the main broadcast on your TV and a tactical camera on your tablet simultaneously without being logged out.
Players to Watch and Tactical Outlook
This tie features some of the most exciting talent in Europe. For Genk, keep your eyes on Daan Heymans, who has been clinical in the league phase with 3 goals. The 18-year-old sensation Konstantinos Karetsas is another creative spark to watch; his ability to find pockets of space makes him Genk’s primary playmaker alongside the experience of Bryan Heynen.
Dinamo Zagreb counters with the prolific Dion Drena Beljo, who has netted 4 goals in this European campaign. He is perfectly complemented by the pace of Arber Hoxha on the wing. Tactically, Dinamo under Mario Kovacevic is known for their attacking aggression at home, but they have struggled defensively, conceding 16 goals in the league phase. Expect them to push hard in Zagreb to build a cushion before the return leg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the away goals rule still exist?
No. If the aggregate score is level after 180 minutes, the game goes to extra time and then penalties.
Can I use a free VPN?
Not recommended. Free VPNs often have data caps and are frequently blocked by services like Paramount+ and discovery+.
Is there a free-to-air option in Belgium?
Yes, check RTBF Auvio (French) or VRT (Dutch) for local club coverage.
What time is kickoff in the USA?
First leg: 12:45 PM ET / 9:45 AM PT. Second leg: 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT.
Who are the favorite among Genk and Dinamo Zagreb?
Genk is favored after finishing 9th in the league phase, while Dinamo Zagreb narrowly qualified in 23rd place.
Final Thoughts and Analysis
Genk enters this tie with significant momentum, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions. Their 9th-place finish in the league phase was impressive, but they must overcome a historical hurdle: they have never beaten Dinamo Zagreb in their two previous meetings. The Belgian side’s high-pressing style and the creative influence of Karetsas will be their primary weapons.
Dinamo Zagreb, despite a rocky European run that saw them lose four of their last five games in the competition, remains a formidable force at the Stadion Maksimir. Their domestic form is strong, currently sitting top of the Croatian league. The key will be whether their defense—led by Scott McKenna—can withstand Genk’s attack. If Dinamo can exploit Genk’s away-day vulnerabilities and take a lead to the Cegeka Arena, this tie could become a classic. However, Genk’s superior European consistency this season gives them the edge to progress.
