Crystal Palace FC's first-ever major European adventure is underway, as we battle to win the UEFA Conference League. Find out how you can join us on our journey.

European Tour

## World Cup winner

> Having made more than 100 appearances for Crystal Palace and now a regular captain of the side, Marc Guéhi has matured well beyond his years since moving to south London.

He joined Palace in summer 2021, signing a five-year contract with the club, and committing his services until summer 2026.

Guéhi was born in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire and moved to England aged one. He spent much of his early years in Lewisham and began his youth career with Bromley-based Cray Wanderers.

It didn’t take long for Guéhi to attract attention and, aged just seven, he was scouted by Chelsea.

Progressing over the following decade with the Blues, Guéhi did enough to stay at the club year on year and reaped the rewards with an immensely successful peer group.

Winning the treble with the Blues’ Under-18s in 2016/17, Guéhi signed his first professional contract in September 2017 and went on to help Chelsea scoop the quadruple – including the FA Youth Cup and league – that same season.

Guéhi’s Academy team helped to reinforce Chelsea’s image as one of the fiercest youth sides in England, as the centre-back played alongside the likes of Reece James, Tariq Lamptey, Billy Gilmour, Conor Gallagher and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

But it wasn’t just at club level where Guéhi enjoyed success with a noteworthy youth team, as the teenager won the Under-17 World Cup with England in 2017. Indeed, Guéhi captained the Young Lions to the U17 European Championship final that same year and scored in the World Cup final just months later.

These performances ensured Guéhi was rewarded with a taste of first-team football, and he began to be named in Chelsea squads in spring 2019 – being a senior substitute on four occasions in 18/19.

His breakthrough came in the League Cup against Grimsby Town as the Blues stormed to a 7-1 victory with Guéhi in the backline. He again earned professional minutes for Chelsea in a fourth-round defeat against Manchester United, and secured a loan move to Swansea City shortly after.

Guéhi fought to secure his place over a half-season with the Swans that was disrupted by the league’s suspension in March. Having returned from the pause, Guéhi played in Swansea’s final five matches and helped to clinch a sixth-place finish.

Play-off heartbreak came for the first of two times as Swansea lost on aggregate to Brentford in the semi-finals, but Guéhi went on to enjoy personal progression the following season regardless.

2020/21 was something of a landmark for the defender, who returned to Swansea on loan for a full campaign and played 45 games. He became recognised as one of the league’s brightest talents and helped Swansea climb further up the table with a fourth-place finish.

Swansea and Guéhi continued to go one better than 19/20 by reaching the play-off final, but football showed its unforgiving side once again as Brentford overcame them for a second time. Guéhi played in every minute of the three play-off matches.

Guéhi describes himself as “strong, comfortable on the ball and hopefully growing to be a leader one day.”

These traits are evident in his play, with the 21-year-old having captained England Under-21s and made himself a mainstay for Swansea despite being one of the squad’s youngest players.

His attitude became clear when a post-match interview with him went viral across social media. Having earned a spot at Wembley and consecutive Man of the Match awards from Sky Sports, Guéhi humbly rebuked the accolades by saying: “The first time I was really surprised. Now I think it’s getting a bit ridiculous! Everyone was fantastic today, to a man. I could name everyone. For me to get this again, I don’t know.”

On the pitch, Guéhi is assertive and vocal, often heard organising his teammates with confidence. This confidence is reflected in his willingness to drive out from the back and distribute possession from relatively high up the pitch.

His first season in south London saw him feature in all but two of the games in 2021/22, making 42 appearances in total. His first goal for the club came in a chaotic 3-3 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor. Guéhi captained the side for the first time against Watford in February 2022, becoming the youngest player to captain the side since Nathaniel Clyne in 2012.

A month later, he earned his first ever call-up to the full England squad and made his debut in a 2-1 win against Switzerland.

Guéhi continued to be a rock at the heart of the Palace defence in 2022/23, forming a formidable partnership with Joachim Andersen. He was nearly ever-present in 22/23, playing in 40 out of a possible 41 games.

The 2023/24 campaign saw Guéhi again continue as a stalwart at the back, though in the latter half of the season he did suffer a knee injury which kept him out for two months. He concluded 23/24 with 29 appearances in all competitions.

He was called up to the England men's senior squad ahead of the 2024 UEFA European Championship and earned his 10th cap for the Three Lions with a solid defensive display and clean sheet against Bosnia and Herzegovina in June 2024.

Guéhi played a huge role at the heart of the England defence in the 2024 UEFA European Championship, playing every single minute he was eligible for as England finished runners-up in the tournament. He managed to to keep two clean sheets and register an assist for Jude Bellingham's sensational last-minute overhead kick against Slovakia in the round of 16.

In 2024/25, Guéhi continued to be one of the first names on the teamsheet and captained the side on a regular basis. He played in 44 games across all competitions, keeping 14 clean sheets, scoring three times and registering two assists. 

Guéhi also made history alongside Palace legend Joel Ward on the 17th May 2025 - going up the famous Wembley steps to lift the FA Cup, after beating Manchester City 1-0 in the final. 

UEFA European Under-17 Championship, 2017

Team of the Tournament

March 2022, March 2023

Crystal Palace Player of the Month

Crystal Palace, 2021/22

Players' Player of the Season

January 2025

Crystal Palace Goal of the Month

Guéhi

instagram

Twitter

Appearances

Goals

Behind-the-scenes | Christmas at Palace 

Extended Highlights: Fulham 1-2 Crystal Palace | Palace TV+

Match Action: Fulham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Guéhi praises team spirit

Guéhi reacts to clean sheet

The Best of Marc Guèhi | Brentford (H)

Pre-match Press Conference | FC Dynamo Kyiv 

Goal AND Player of the month: Marc Guehi

Goal of the month contenders | August 2025

Extended Highlights: Aston Villa 0-3 Crystal Palace | Palace TV+

The Full 90: Aston Villa v Crystal Palace | Palace TV+

Match Highlights: Aston Villa 0-3 Crystal Palace

Behind The Scenes | Kit Shoot

Introducing our 25/26 Eagle Gold kit 

Introducing the 25/26 Home Kit

Goals Inside Box

Goals Outside Box

Right Foot

Left Foot

Shots

Shots on target

Hit woodwork

Penalties taken

Penalties scored

Touches

Touches in opposition box

Aerial duels

Aerial duels won

Interceptions

Blocks

Recoveries

Tackles won

Duels won

Clearances

Minutes

Attempted passes

Successful passes

Chances created

Crosses

Yellow cards

Red cards

Fouls won

Fouls Conceded

Season

Games

**The Eagles will be seeking a win to give themselves the best possible opportunity of guaranteeing qualification for the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 – so don't miss the last chance in 2025 to watch European football under the Selhurst Park lights!**

Palace will host the 2024 Finnish league and Cup champions tonight, with three points the target as the Eagles look to secure direct qualification.

Tickets are on general sale, with up to four tickets available to purchase per client reference number.

- [**Click here for Glasner's expansive pre-match team news update**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/first-team/glasner-on-plans-for-kups-leeds-double-header-kamada-update-academy-involvement/)**.**
- [**How to watch and follow Thursday evening's match LIVE**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/information/how-to-watch-follow-our-conference-league-decider-vs-kups-live/)**.**
- [**Find out what Palace need to progress to the round of 16**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/first-team/uefa-conference-league-permutations-what-happens-next-crystal-palace/)**.**

**You are urged to read the below information in full before purchasing tickets.**

Book tickets

### **Prices**

- **Adults:** £40
- **65+ and Under 21s:** £30
- **Under 18s:** £25

**Please note:** Supporters who purchase in block F and G of the Main Stand are to be advised that there may be up to 200 opposition fans in this area. This is due to UEFA competition rules.

### **Sales Phases**

*All phases subject to availability.*

**Phase 1:** Season Ticket holders (who have not purchased a European Bundle) can purchase one ticket per client reference number.

- **From 10:00, Tuesday 18th November:** all methods (online, over the phone, or in person)
- *Please note, in this case, your Season Ticket seat is not reserved for this fixture, but may still be available to purchase, subject to availability.*

**Phase 2:** Gold Members and Season Ticket+ holders can purchase up to four tickets per client reference number *(i.e. Season Ticket+ holders can purchase three extra tickets, if they have already purchased).*

- **From 14:00, Tuesday 18th November:** online only
- **From 10:00, Wednesday 19th November:** via all methods

**Phase 3:** All Members and Season Ticket holders can purchase four tickets per client reference number (or three extra, if they have already purchased in previous phases).

- **From 17:30, Wednesday 19th November:** online only
- **From 10:00, Thursday 20th November:** via all methods

**Phase 4:** 

- **From 10:00, Friday 21st November:** online only
- **From 14:00:** via all methods

### **Watch it in style**

**Looking for the perfect festive gift?** The chance to watch European football beneath the Selhurst Park lights, from the finest seats in the house, is sure to create unforgettable memories for your friends and loved ones.

Premium Experiences for this match can be booked now, granting exclusive access to our premium lounges before, during, and after the game – complete with superb food and inclusive drinks throughout.

[**Click HERE**](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/Hospitality/LandingPage) to make an enquiry or to book your package.

### **Match Details**

**Crystal Palace v KuPS Kuopio**

- Thursday, 18th December
- 20:00 GMT
- UEFA Conference League
- Selhurst Park

Tickets for our third and final home league phase match in the UEFA Conference League – against Finnish league winners KuPS Kuopio, TONIGHT (Thursday, 18th December, 20:00 GMT) – remain on general sale, with no Membership required to purchase!

Don't miss tonight's decisive European match: KuPS Kuopio (H) ticket details

Manchester City

Premier League

Crystal Palace

Last Match

KuPS

UEFA Conference League

Next Match

Christmas Shopping - Perfect Palace Presents

- [**Tickets available for Thursday's game against KuPS here**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/tickets/ticket-details-crystal-palace-kups-kuopio-december-2025/)**.**
- [**How to watch and follow Thursday evening's match LIVE**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/information/how-to-watch-follow-our-conference-league-decider-vs-kups-live/)**.**
- [**Find out what Palace need to progress to the round of 16 here**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/first-team/uefa-conference-league-permutations-what-happens-next-crystal-palace/)**.**

Preparation for KuPS

Hughes was alongside his manager on Wednesday afternoon to preview Palace's matchday six fixture against KuPS Kuopio on Thursday \[20:00 GMT\].

For the Eagles, a win will secure knock-out football in the New Year, whether that is straight through to the last 16 or via the play-offs. 

At the press conference Hughes was asked what it means to be playing European football for the first time in his career, having made his senior professional debut back in 2011.

"It means everything," he said. "It's something that maybe a few years ago I didn't really expect to happen, but credit to the manager for coming in and ultimately making not only myself, but the rest of the lads believe that we can achieve many things and that was proven last year. 

"Not many thought we could have lifted the FA Cup, but he made us believe and everyone in that changing room did just that – and look at how it turned out.

"Hopefully there's more \[success\] to come at the end of the season."

Hughes also added that the current group was the best he had experienced throughout his 14-year career when it came to team spirit and that this had played a huge role in recent success. 

"It's cliché to say 'we've got a good group'," he explained. "But I genuinely think the togetherness we've had in the last 18 months has played a huge role in our success. 

"\[There are\] no egos, no individuals, or players doing it on their own. It's been a group thing and to achieve something like we did last year, you need that to be successful."

Oliver Glasner confirmed in the press conference that he would have to rotate his team across Thursday's game and Saturday's Premier League fixture against Leeds United, which takes place only 48 hours later.

That could mean Academy players are involved in the first-team squad, as Benji Casey and Joél Drakes-Thomas were in the win over Shelbourne last week.

And Hughes urged anyone who gets the same opportunity to make the most of it. 

"The gaffer mentioned it today in training, just to play with a smile on your face, enjoy it, let loose really," he said. "Don't overthink too much and that's advice I'd give as well. 

"I'd say just enjoy it, because it's a reward for what we did last season. For the young lads to come in and play a European fixture at that age, it's really something special. 

"So my advice is just to enjoy it."

Will Hughes believes team spirit has been vital to Crystal Palace's remarkable 2025, as the midfielder and his teammates prepare for their final league phase fixture in the UEFA Conference League. 

Hughes on togetherness and his message to Academy prospects

**Thursday evening's match against Finnish double winners KuPS Kuopio at Selhurst Park (20:00 GMT kick-off) will therefore be a decisive one – and we want to make sure every seat at Selhurst Park is filled, to give Oliver Glasner's side the best backing possible.**

Tickets for the game are still on general sale (no Membership required to purchase). [Click here to find out more](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/tickets/ticket-details-crystal-palace-kups-kuopio-december-2025/), and [here to purchase](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/Events?preFilter=26&preFilterName=1.+UEFA+Conference+League&utm_source=website&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=WebStoryTickets181125).

**So what do we need on Thursday evening – and what happens after that?**

### How does it work?

After Thursday's sixth and final matchday, the final league table will determine who qualifies for the knockout stage – and in which round they will enter.

If teams are level on points at the end of the league phase, they are separated by goal difference; then goals scored; then away goals scored.

The top-eight sides after six league games advance straight to the Round of 16.

Sides ranking 9th-24th will qualify for a two-legged play-off round.

The sides who rank between 9th and 16th will be at home in the second legs of those play-off ties, taking on teams who finished between 17th and 24th, who will have the disadvantage of being away from home in the second leg.

### Where do Palace currently stand?

A 3-0 win over Shelbourne in Dublin saw the Eagles bounce back brilliantly from defeat against RC Strasbourg on matchday four, giving our goal difference a decent boost as well.

After ending matchday four in 18th, the Eagles soared back up the table to climb to ninth, after first-half goals from Christantus Uche, Eddie Nketiah and Yéremy Pino. Palace sit on nine points, with the likes of AEK Larnaca, Fiorentina, Celje, and AZ Alkmaar all on the same total, but with the Eagles holding the best goal difference – of +5 – ahead of Thursday's games.

A win for Palace on Thursday evening would seal a top-eight place – so long as we still have a superior goal difference to Larnaca, Fiorentina, Celje, and AZ Alkmaar at the end of play.

View the table

### What are the various outcomes on Thursday?

A **win for Palace does not** mathematically confirm a top-eight finish for us.

**While three points would mean** we would definitely finish above at least one of either Mainz or Samsunspor (who start the day in the top-eight, and play each other), but we would still be dependent on the outcome of matches involving:

- **AEK Larnaca** (Cyprus) – who play 21st-placed Shkendija (North Macedonia) at home, and who start the day with an equal goal difference to us (+5)
- **Fiorentina** (Italy) – who play 16th-placed Lausanne (Switzerland) away, and who start the day with a goal difference of +4
- **Celje** (Slovenia) – who play 34th-placed Shelbourne (Ireland) at home, and who start the day with +1 goal difference
- **AZ Alkmaar** (Netherlands) – who play 18th-placed Jagiellonia Białystok (Poland), and who start the day with 0 goal difference.

Therefore, a win on Thursday would be likely, but not certain, to assure us a direct route into the last 16.

**A draw on Thursday** would assure us of at least a play-off place (9th-24th) – and could theoretically result in us finishing in the top eight, albeit we would be dependent on the matches listed above.

**If we lose**, we are still likely to qualify for the play-offs. Although this outcome would be dependent on results elsewhere, the chance of being surpassed by all 15 teams between ourselves and 25th place (currently KuPS) is highly unlikely. 

### If we finish in the top eight...

**We will qualify for the Round of 16 directly.**

We would learn our opponents for the Round of 16 – and potential opponents for the quarter-finals and semi-finals (and by extension final) – on **Friday, 27th February**.

We would be at home for the second leg in the Round of 16.

### If we finish 9th-24th...

We would qualify for the play-off round, which is likely to see the first leg take place on **Thursday, 19th February 2026**, and the second for **Thursday, 26th February 2026.**

**If we finish between 9th-16th, we would be at home for the second leg of the play-offs.** If we finish 17th-24th, we’d be away for the second leg.

We would know the identiy of a pair of teams who could be our opponents in the play-off, based on ranking (for example, if we finish ninth, we would play against the either the team finishing 23rd or 24th).

The identity of this team would be confirmed in a draw on **Friday, 16th January 2026.**

### What else should I know?

**From the Round of 16 onwards**, the competition mirrors other European tournaments, with two-legged home and away knockout ties.

This is until the Final, of course, which will take place at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany, on **Wednesday, 27th May 2026**.

Other dates to be aware of include:

- **Knockout phase play-offs:** 19th & 26th February 2026
- **Round of 16:** 12th & 19th March 2026
- **Quarter-finals:** 9th & 16th April 2026
- **Semi-finals:** 30th April & 7th May 2026
- **Final:** 27th May 2026 (Leipzig)

[**Download the official Crystal Palace app**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/information/palace-app-upgraded-download-and-use-now/) **to receive notifications straight to your phone, as and when fixture changes and draws occur this season.**

### Match Details

**Crystal Palace v KuPS Kuopio**

- Thursday, 18th December
- 20:00 GMT
- UEFA Conference League
- Selhurst Park
- [Tickets available here](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/tickets/ticket-details-crystal-palace-kups-kuopio-december-2025/).

Crystal Palace roared back on UEFA Conference League matchday five to record a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Shelbourne last week – boosting our prospects of automatic qualification for the Round of 16.

UEFA Conference League: How do Palace secure qualification & what happens next?

Tickets

Tickets

Don't miss tonight's decisive European match: KuPS Kuopio (H) ticket details

Hughes on togetherness and his message to Academy prospects

UEFA Conference League: How do Palace secure qualification & what happens next?

Christmas Shopping - Perfect Palace Presents

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