PAOK Thessaloniki is set to play its first official match of the season on July 23, 2026, marking the debut of new head coach Alessio Lisci following the departure of Razvan Lucescu. The Greek side will face Dynamo Kyiv in the second qualifying round of the Europa League, with the match being held at a neutral venue in Poland. The team aims to qualify for the tournament's new League Phase.

Coach Lisci faces final selection decisions regarding his starting eleven, specifically in central defense and midfield. Candidates for the defensive pairing alongside Giannis Michailidis include Aritz Elustondo and Pantelis Hatzidiakos, while Baptiste Santamaria is expected to anchor the midfield. The team’s pre-season form has been mixed, featuring wins against Beveren, Westerlo, and AEK Larnaca, alongside a loss to Twente. The club continues its transition into this new era, with the technical staff finalizing tactical plans ahead of the crucial qualifying encounter.