Champions League 2026/27: draw date, qualified teams, final venue

The stage is set for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League season, with the league phase draw scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026. Paris Saint-Germain enters the competition as the defending champions, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive title. Their previous victories included a dominant 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the 2025 final and a penalty shootout triumph against Arsenal in last season's final held in Budapest.

A total of 36 clubs will compete in the expanded league phase format. Most of these spots have been secured through domestic league performances, but six remaining places will be determined by the Champions League qualifying play-offs in August. Each club will play eight matches against two teams from each of the four seeding pots, with four home and four away fixtures.

England boasts the largest contingent with six teams, including Manchester United's return and Aston Villa's qualification after winning the Europa League. Spain follows with five representatives. Germany, Italy, and France each have four clubs. Notably, Italian side Como is set to make its first-ever appearance in the Champions League, adding an element of novelty to this season's competition. Teams finishing in the top eight will advance directly to the round of 16, while those ranked 9th to 24th will enter a knockout play-off round.