The league phase draw for the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League has concluded in Monaco, determining the opponents for all 36 participating clubs ahead of the competition’s opening matches scheduled for September 8. This marks the third season of the league phase format, which was first introduced in 2024-25.
Before the proceedings began, PSG captain Marquinhos was honored as the inaugural recipient of the UEFA Respect: Beyond the Game Award. Additionally, Thierry Henry received the UEFA President’s Award from Aleksander Ceferin.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, managed by Luis Enrique, were drawn into a challenging group that includes Barcelona and Manchester City. PSG, who secured their title last May by defeating Arsenal on penalties, will also face Roma, Aston Villa, Galatasaray, Villarreal, Slovan Bratislava, and Como.
Real Madrid, the 15-time record winners, are set for a high-profile clash against Inter Milan, which will see manager Jose Mourinho face his former club. Mourinho, who returned to the Santiago Bernabeu in June, previously led Inter to the Champions League trophy in 2010. Real Madrid’s other opponents include Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, Roma, RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk, LASK, and AEK Athens.
Arsenal, the runners-up from the previous campaign, will host Borussia Dortmund, Lille, and Sabah, with away fixtures against Bayern Munich, Real Betis, Napoli, and Slavia Prague. Meanwhile, Liverpool will welcome Atletico Madrid, Porto, Villarreal, and Lens, while traveling to face Inter Milan, Club Brugge, Fenerbahce, and LASK.
Manchester United’s schedule features home matches against Bayern Munich, Roma, RB Leipzig, and Sabah, alongside away trips to Atletico Madrid, Sporting CP, Villarreal, and Como. Aston Villa, the reigning Europa League winners, are slated to host PSG, Borussia Dortmund, Fenerbahce, and Viking, with away games against Barcelona, Club Brugge, Galatasaray, and Slavia Prague.
The tournament features several notable milestones: Fenerbahce returns to the competition for the first time since the 2008/09 season following a play-off victory over Lyon. Como and Sabah are making their tournament debuts, while LASK and Norwegian champions Viking have both qualified for the league phase for the first time.
The opening round of matches will take place between September 8 and 10, with the final round of the league phase concluding in late January. The season will culminate in the final, hosted at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on June 5, 2027. The report also notes that uEFA is expected to announce the full fixture schedule on Saturday.
