# Anderlecht 2026 season preparations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/anderlecht-2026-season-preparations > Updated: 2026-08-06T12:55:16.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. In late July 2026, Anderlecht were focused on the Europa League qualifying round, hosting Hammarby for the second leg after a 1‑1 draw in Stockholm. Coach Vitor Bruno highlighted a youth‑centric approach, giving debuts to several teenagers while rotating senior players, as the club sought to address defensive frailties. By early August, the narrative shifted to the domestic front. New coach Edward Still, returning to Anderlecht, emphasized the club’s project, the fitness of goalkeeper Marcos Peano, and the reintegration of out‑of‑contract players ahead of the Jupiler Pro League opener. Transfer activity was hinted at as the team prepared to compete alongside rivals such as Club Brugge, whose own manager Ivan Leko warned of squad rebuilding needs for the upcoming season. On 6 August, Club Brugge opened their title defence with a 3‑0 win over KV Kortrijk and announced the €12 million signing of 20‑year‑old Spanish winger Jan Virgil. Leko stressed humility and the need for further reinforcements ahead of the Champions League, underscoring the competitive pressure Anderlecht will face as the Belgian league campaign unfolds. ## Claims - Club Brugge defeated KV Kortrijk 3-0 in the opening match of the 2026‑2027 Jupiler Pro League season. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The goals were scored by Hugo Vetlesen (30'), Carlos Forbs (68') and Nicolò Tresoldi (penalty). (corroborated by 4 sources) - Coach Ivan Leko said the Champions League campaign starts after the opening match. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Ivan Leko is the head coach of Club Brugge and said the team must remain humble and not compare to Bayern Munich. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Ivan Leko said the team must stay humble and not compare itself to Bayern Munich. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Club Brugge is still seeking reinforcements for certain positions. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Goals were scored by Hugo Vetlesen (30'), Carlos Forbs (68') and Nicolò Tresoldi (penalty) in that match. (single source) - The Jupiler Pro League will adopt an 18‑team format without playoffs for the 2026‑2027 season. (single source) - The league will have 34 matchdays, with the top four qualifying for European competitions and the bottom two relegated. (single source) - Hans Vanaken praised new signing Lee Han‑beom as an impressive defender after his performance in the opening match. (single source) - Brecht Dejaegere extended his contract with KV Kortrijk for one season and shared a family video after the match. (single source) - Club Brugge is seeking reinforcements for certain positions, according to coach Ivan Leko. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-06: Club Brugge opens title defence with 3-0 win and €12 m signing Club Brugge started the season with a 3‑0 win over KV Kortrijk, signed Spanish winger Jan Virgil for €12 m, and coach Ivan Leko warned of needed reinforcements as the Jupiler Pro League moves to an 18‑team, no‑ 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/club-brugge-and-anderlecht-gear-up-for-opening-of-belgian-pro-league ### 2026-07-27: Anderlecht prepares for Europa League clash with Hammarby RSC Anderlecht host Hammarby in the Europa League second leg in Belgium after a 1‑1 first‑leg draw, with coach Vitor Bruno fielding several teenage debutants as both sides vie to advance. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anderlecht-prepares-for-europa-league-clash-with-hammarby --- Cite as: Anderlecht 2026 season preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/anderlecht-2026-season-preparations