Live Champions League draw: League phase pairings to be drawn in Monaco

The stage is set in Monaco for the highly anticipated draw of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase, a significant event for 36 participating clubs, including five from the English Premier League.

The draw will see teams divided into four pots, each containing nine clubs, ranked according to their coefficient standings at the beginning of the year. Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain will be top seeds in Pot 1. The process involves a combination of manual ball selection and automated software, which will randomly assign eight opponents to each team – two from each of the four pots. This system will also determine whether each fixture is played at home or away, ensuring teams face opponents from different pots and adhering to regulations that prevent clubs from playing teams from their own association.

Premier League representatives Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United are all in the draw. The new league phase format replaces the traditional group stage, with each of the 36 teams playing eight matches against different opponents. This structure aims to increase the number of high-profile fixtures and provide a more dynamic competition.

The league phase is scheduled to commence on September 8th, 2026, and conclude on January 27th, 2027. Uefa has stated that kick-off times and venues will be communicated no later than Saturday. The introduction of this expanded format marks a significant shift in the Champions League's structure, promising a more extensive and potentially more unpredictable tournament for fans across Europe.