The draw for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase has been conducted, setting up a series of blockbuster fixtures as Europe’s elite clubs prepare for the new campaign.
The draw took place on Thursday, August 27, 2026, with 36 teams confirmed for the competition under the new single-league format.
Unlike the traditional group stage, all teams will now compete in one league table, playing eight matches each, four at home and four away, against different opponents.
The new format has produced several high-profile encounters early in the competition, including clashes between some of Europe’s biggest sides.
Arsenal will face both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, while Manchester City take on Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona in what is considered one of the toughest schedules.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain are also set for a demanding campaign, with fixtures against Barcelona, Manchester City, and Aston Villa among their standout ties.
Manchester United’s return to the competition will see them face Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, while Liverpool appear to have a relatively more balanced run of fixtures compared to their Premier League rivals.
The league phase of the competition is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and will run through to January 2027, after which the top eight teams will automatically qualify for the Round of 16.
Teams placed between ninth and 24th will enter a playoff round to determine the remaining knockout spots.
The final of the competition is set for June 5, 2027, at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.
With the new format eliminating easy group-stage routes, this season’s Champions League is expected to deliver more high-stakes encounters from the very first round of matches.
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