7M - UEFA Conference League Preview: FK Vojvodina vs AFC Ajax - prediction, team news, lineups

Ajax begin their efforts to qualify for the main stage of the Conference League with a second qualifying round tie against FK Vojvodina.

While the Dutch giants enter at this phase of qualifying, their Serbian opponents have already suffered defeat in the Europa League first qualifying round and drop into this tournament.

Match preview

Although Ajax are regarded as the biggest club in Dutch football, their stock has continued to fall in recent seasons, and they came extremely close to failing to qualify for Europe altogether.

After a fifth-placed finish in the Eredivisie, Ajax needed penalties to see off FC Utrecht in the European playoff final, their efforts still leading to the exit of caretaker boss Oscar Garcia. Former Girona manager Michel is now at the helm, tasked with earning a return to the Champions League and ending a 32-year wait for a European trophy.

The high-profile additions of Daley Blind, Caio Henrique and Marcos Leonardo should only aid their cause on that front. Ajax have played four friendlies ahead of this fixture, losing 3-1 to Panathinaikos in their first outing but concluding pre-season with a 1-0 victory over fellow Greek giants Olympiacos.

Meanwhile, FK Vojvodina had hoped for a prolonged run in Europa League qualifying, only to be paired with Ferencvaros. Despite losing the home first leg by just a 2-1 scoreline, Vojvodina were beaten 3-0 in Hungary to bow out tamely.

Last season's second-placed finishers in the Serbian top flight will be ruing their luck after drawing Ajax, opponents who beat them 4-1 on aggregate in the Europa League second qualifying round in 2023-24.

While Vojvodina can take confidence from a 4-0 victory over OFK Beograd in their first league game of 2026-27 on Sunday, they have lost seven of their last eight fixtures on the European stage.