BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Six direct places in the Europa League round of 16 are up for grabs and 11 teams remain in contention for the five last spots in the knockout stage in the final round of the opening phase on Thursday. Like in the Champions League, all 36 teams play in the last 18 games that kick off simultaneously, and the top eight finishers advance automatically after eight rounds. Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, centre left, Pau Torres, second left, and Ollie Watkins, centre, practice during a training session in Tamworth, England, Wednesday Jan. 28, 2026, one day ahead of their Europa League soccer match against Salzburg. (David Davies/PA via AP)The teams placed from nine to 24 enter a two-leg playoff. Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter Mike McIntyre | On Sports Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter.