Mainz vs. Samsunspor: UEFA Conference League team news and LIVE blog

Mainz could seal a spot in the UEFA Conference League round of 16 on Thursday when they host fellow top-eight hopefuls Samsunspor in the final batch of league-phase fixtures (kick-off 9pm CET).

Mainz's 1-1 draw away to Lech Poznań on Matchday 5 last week guaranteed them a spot in the knockout phase play-offs at the very least.

However, Urs Fischer's side could avoid the two-legged play-off tie that would entail in February next year if they beat Samsunspor on Thursday.

Victory over their Turkish visitors, who are currently above Mainz on goal difference alone, would secure the 05ers a top-eight finish and a ticket straight to the round of 16. 

Follow all the match build-up below.

LIVE blog!

VS

Mainz

Thu, 18.12 20:00

Samsunspor

Conference League
League phase, Matchday 6 League phase, Matchday 6 MEWA Arena

One to watch

Marius Mouandilmadji (pictured) is Samsunspor's top scorer in the Conference League this term with four goals. Like Mainz, the Turkish side won their first three games in the competition in 2025/26. That was followed by a draw and then a 2-1 home defeat by AEK Athens last week.

© IMAGO/Veysel Altun

Home fortress

Mainz have won both of their home games in the Conference League so far this season: a 1-0 success over Bosnia and Herzegovina outfit Zrinjski on Matchday 2 and a 2-1 triumph over Fiorentina - who were runners-up in this competition in both 2023 and 2024 - on Matchday 3.

© Daniela Porcelli

Hello and welcome!

Thank you for joining us for build-up and live match coverage of Mainz's Matchday 6 encounter at home to Samsunspor in the UEFA Conference League.

About the clubs

1. FSV Mainz 05

MEWA ARENA