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Champions League news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
UEFA Champions League 2026-27 league phase starts Sep 8-10 with 36 teams. Fans watch Real Madrid host Inter Milan and tribute to Nepal flood victims.
Background
The 2026-27 UEFA Champions League season begins this week with a new league phase format featuring 36 teams. The tournament is expanding and restructuring, with top eight teams advancing directly to the Round of 16. This season also introduces debut patches on jerseys for trading cards, following trends in other sports.
How it unfolded
- Sep 2, 2026Reports emerge that Champions League players will wear 'debut' patches for the 2026-27 season, used for Topps trading cards.
- Sep 7, 2026UEFA announces a moment of silence before all 18 Champions League games this week to honor Nepal flood victims.
- Sep 8, 2026 -10, 2026League phase begins with 36 teams; first matchday includes Real Madrid vs. Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- UEFA states a moment of silence and banner will be displayed as a sign of solidarity with Nepal flood victims.
- Analysts
- The debut patch program is seen as a way to create ultra-rare and desirable trading cards, expanding commercial appeal.