Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Mon 18 May 2026 21:10, UK

Rangers’ campaign next season is still up in the air, despite officially qualifying for Europe.

However, with the Scottish Cup final still to come, Danny Rohl is yet to find out which Uefa competition his Rangers side will enter.

The two options on the table are the Europa League and Conference League, with the Gers entering the qualifying rounds of either.

It could ultimately play a big part in the Bears’ summer plans as they look to back Rohl in the upcoming transfer window.

Rangers’ European qualification lies in the hands of rivals Celtic, in a situation that supporters will certainly not enjoy.

How Celtic could still decide outcome of Rangers’ season

It is a nightmare scenario for Rangers fans, as Celtic’s success could benefit the Gers for next season.

However, the supporters may actually prefer to be disadvantaged if it meant that their rivals did not secure another trophy.

Rangers are currently set to enter the UEFA Conference League’s second qualifying round; however, they could get a promotion to the Europa League, but it depends on Celtic.

If the Gers’ bitter rivals end up winning the Scottish Cup, it would bump the G51 outfit into the Europa League. Kick-off takes place at 3 pm Glasgow time on 23 May, as Celtic face Dunfermline.

However, due to the rivalry between the Old Firm, the Rangers fanbase may end up preferring Celtic to fail to win the cup.

A win against Dunfermline would hand Martin O’Neill’s side a league and cup double this campaign. Celtic failing to win another trophy would still result in Rangers having a chance at Europe, even if in a lesser competition.

Rangers could have a better chance at silverware

With the Conference League being the third-tier European competition, it comes with lesser quality opposition to face. The Gers would still have to go through the qualifying stages, and there is no guarantee they would participate in the tournament.

However, it would surely be a much easier route to silverware compared to going through the Europa League.

There is also no failsafe. If Rangers lost in the Europa League qualifying games, they would still have a chance at the Conference League.

However, one two-legged tie loss in the Conference League qualifiers would end any of their European ambitions. Dropping out of Europe also comes with lesser financial strength, but Celtic losing is likely always the answer.

Rohl has demanded leaders at Rangers next season, so it will be an interesting transfer window for the Ibrox side.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.