Fenerbahce vs Roma takes place in Istanbul on Thursday, 10 September 2026, as both clubs open their UEFA Champions League league-phase campaigns. Kick-off is at 16:45 UTC, which is 18:45 CEST and 19:45 local time in Türkiye.
Fenerbahce vs Roma brings together two clubs returning to the Champions League proper after lengthy absences. Fenerbahce came through qualifying to reach the 36-team league phase, while Roma qualified directly through their Serie A finish. The clubs have never met in a competitive UEFA fixture, giving Matchday 1 a fresh European matchup. For the wider competition format and schedule, see SportPesa Global’s 2026/27 UEFA Champions League guide.
Fenerbahce vs Roma match details
| Match detail | Information |
| Fixture | Fenerbahce vs Roma |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League 2026/27 |
| Stage | League Phase – Matchday 1 |
| Date | Thursday, 10 September 2026 |
| Kick-off | 16:45 UTC / 18:45 CEST / 19:45 TRT |
| Venue | Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Sports Complex, Istanbul |
| Fenerbahce coach | Ismail Kartal |
| Roma coach | Gian Piero Gasperini |
Once the match begins, SP Score should be used for confirmed line-ups, the live score, match statistics and changing events.
READ ALSO: Champions League 2026/27 League Phase Draw: Pots, Teams & Fixture Guide
Fenerbahce vs Roma team news and missing players
Fenerbahce have two confirmed absences for Matchday 1. Matteo Guendouzi is suspended, while Jayden Oosterwolde is unavailable with a hamstring injury. Marco Asensio is also a doubt because of a thigh problem, so his status should be checked again when the official matchday squad is released.
The Turkish side still have a strong registered squad featuring Ederson, Milan Skriniar, Nathan Ake, Nelson Semedo, N’Golo Kante, Ismail Yuksek, Kerem Akturkoglu, Mason Greenwood and Vedat Muriqi among the senior options.
Roma are in a healthier position overall. Lorenzo Pellegrini is the main absence listed by UEFA, while Gasperini has otherwise indicated that the squad is in good condition. Paulo Dybala, Matias Soule, Donyell Malen, Bryan Cristante, Manu Kone, Mario Hermoso and Mile Svilar are among the key names available to Roma.
Fenerbahce vs Roma head-to-head and current form
Fenerbahce and Roma have never met in a competitive UEFA match. Fenerbahce’s official site notes that the clubs did play a 3-3 friendly in Rome in August 2014, but UEFA treats this Champions League fixture as their first competitive meeting.
Fenerbahce reached the league phase by eliminating Gornik Zabrze, Sturm Graz and Lyon in qualifying. They completed the play-off round with a 2-1 win away to Lyon to advance 3-2 on aggregate, but their latest domestic match ended in a 2-1 home defeat to Besiktas.
Roma arrive after a strong start to Serie A. Gasperini’s side beat Fiorentina and Lecce before a dramatic 2-1 victory over Atalanta, with Matias Soule scoring the stoppage-time winner.
Key players, coach comments and tactical angles
Fenerbahce have several experienced players capable of influencing the tempo. N’Golo Kante and Ismail Yuksek offer midfield options, while Kerem Akturkoglu, Mason Greenwood and Vedat Muriqi provide attacking threat. Milan Skriniar and Nathan Ake add experience in defence.
Roma’s attack includes Paulo Dybala, Matias Soule and Donyell Malen, with Bryan Cristante and Manu Kone important in midfield. Roma have started the domestic season with confidence and arrive after three consecutive Serie A victories.
Gasperini said before the match that Roma must respect Fenerbahce’s quality while maintaining their own identity and playing with the strengths they have shown over the last year. For Fenerbahce, the home setting and the intensity of their qualifying run provide important context, but this preview does not predict the outcome.
READ ALSO: 2026/27 UEFA Champions League: Qualified Teams, Format, Key Dates and Teams to Watch
How to follow Fenerbahce vs Roma live
Broadcast rights differ by country and territory, so viewers should check their local UEFA rights holder for television or streaming availability. The editorial page should avoid hard-coding one broadcaster for a global audience.
For the changing score, confirmed line-ups, match statistics and live events, use SP Score. Available Champions League football markets can also be reviewed on the SportPesa Global UEFA Champions League page. Market availability may change. 18+ only. Bet responsibly.
FAQs about Fenerbahce vs Roma
When is Fenerbahce vs Roma?
Fenerbahce vs Roma takes place on Thursday, 10 September 2026 in UEFA Champions League Matchday 1.
What time does Fenerbahce vs Roma kick off?
Kick-off is at 16:45 UTC, 18:45 CEST and 19:45 local time in Türkiye.
Where is Fenerbahce vs Roma being played?
The match is being played at the Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Sports Complex in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Have Fenerbahce and Roma played before?
This is their first competitive UEFA meeting. The clubs previously drew 3-3 in a friendly in Rome in August 2014.
Who is unavailable for Fenerbahce vs Roma?
Fenerbahce are without suspended Matteo Guendouzi and injured Jayden Oosterwolde, while Marco Asensio is doubtful. Roma are without Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Where can I follow Fenerbahce vs Roma live scores?
Use SP Score for confirmed line-ups, the current score, match statistics and live events once the game begins.
Conclusion
Fenerbahce vs Roma opens both clubs’ 2026/27 Champions League league-phase campaigns in Istanbul on Thursday. Fenerbahce arrive after navigating three qualifying rounds, while Roma bring three consecutive Serie A wins into their return to Europe’s top club competition. The first competitive meeting between the clubs adds another new matchup to Matchday 1. Follow SP Score for confirmed line-ups, live scores and match events once the game begins.
