PAOK Thessaloniki failed to secure a spot in the Champions League after a 2-2 draw against Olympiakos Piraeus in the final round of the Greek league, having led 2-0. This marks the end of their sole remaining objective, as the team also lost the Greek Cup. Now, the team must focus on the Europa League, where they will face strong opposition in the three qualifying rounds leading to the main group stage.

The draw for the second qualifying round of the Europa League is set for June 17, which will determine PAOK's first qualifying round opponent. A month later, the third qualifying round draw will take place on August 6 and 13. If PAOK advances, they will participate in the playoff round draw on August 20 and 27.

PAOK's path to the main group stage is fraught with challenging opponents. Potential rivals in the second qualifying round include Viktoria Plzen, Midtjylland, Ferencvaros, and Qarabag. In the third qualifying round, teams like Twente, Tromso, St. Gallen/Lausanne-Ouest, Paphos/Apollon Limassol, Hapoel Beer Sheva/Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Hammarby could emerge. Additionally, Besiktas is a formidable threat if Trabzonspor wins the Turkish Cup against Konyaspor. Other strong contenders in the second qualifying round include Anderlecht, Gent, and Braga. Teams like CSKA Sofia, Sheriff Tiraspol, Hajduk Split, and Dinamo Kiev might also appear in the first qualifying round.