UEFA Champions League 2026-27 league phase draw
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
36 teams entered the 2026-27 Champions League league phase draw on Aug 27 in Monaco. The draw sets eight opponents per club, with PSG seeking a third straight title.
Background
The draw for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase took place on Thursday, August 27, in Monaco. This is the third season using the 'One Big Group' format, where 36 teams are drawn to play eight matches each (four home, four away) against two opponents from each of four pots. The league phase begins September 8-10, 2026, and the final is scheduled for June 2027 at the Metropolitano in Madrid. Paris Saint-Germain are the defending champions and are aiming for a historic third consecutive title.
How it unfolded
- Aug 26, 2026Qualifying rounds concluded, setting the final 36-team field for the league phase.
- Aug 27, 2026The league phase draw took place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, starting at 5pm BST (6pm CET).
- Sep 8, 2026 -10, 2026The league phase is scheduled to begin with Matchday 1.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- The new format has been 'OK' but the importance of finishing top eight is undercut by PSG winning both tournaments from 15th and 11th.
- Public
- Fans anticipate mouthwatering ties as the draw pairs teams from different pots.