Brighton - FK Kauno Zalgiris

Brighton & Hove Albion enter their Conference League matchday 1 clash at The American Express Community Stadium on 15 October 2026 with significant momentum. The side has been in clinical form domestically, recently securing a 2-0 victory over Sunderland and a commanding 3-0 win against Arsenal. Their transition into European competition has been equally disciplined, highlighted by a dominant 4-0 aggregate success over Tromsoe in the qualification rounds. With a high-scoring attack that dismantled Coventry City 5-0 earlier in September, the hosts will look to impose their technical style from the opening whistle.

FK Kauno Zalgiris arrive in England following a productive run in their own domestic competitions, including a 3-0 cup victory against FK Minija. While they faced a difficult exit from Europa League qualification against Besiktas, their recent league form shows resilience, notably in a 5-1 win over Suduva. The visitors will need to maintain their defensive structure to withstand the pressure of a Premier League side that has proven difficult to contain. This encounter represents a major test for the visitors as they navigate the opening stage of the group competition.