KuPS faces Sabah in Champions League qualifying tie in Kuopio

On 28 July 2026, Finnish champions KuPS host Azerbaijani side Sabah at Vare Areena in Kuopio for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifying round. Sabah entered the match with a 1‑0 lead from the first leg in Baku and will look to protect that advantage, while KuPS hope to overturn the deficit on home ground. KuPS, fresh from a domestic title run and recent strong form in the Veikkausliiga, have suffered injuries to key players Samuel Pasanen and Jerry Voutilainen, with Calvin Kabuye listed as doubtful. Sabah, coming off a 4‑1 aggregate win over The New Saints, are considered the favorites but will need to manage the pressure of a narrow lead.

Both clubs are seeking their first appearance in the competition’s third round, making the fixture a pivotal moment for their European ambitions.