2026/27 UEFA Champions League: Teams, Schedule, Format, and Final Venue
Overview of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, originally known as the European Cup, starts its 72nd season in 2026/27. This marks the 35th edition under its current title and the third season featuring the league phase format.
The competition began on 7 July 2026 and will conclude with the final at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid on Saturday, 5 June 2027. These dates may still be adjusted.
Teams Participating in the League Phase
The following clubs have qualified based on their sporting achievements. This list is provisional and could change due to disciplinary or licensing decisions. Russian teams remain suspended from UEFA tournaments for now.
- Austria: LASK
- Azerbaijan: Sabah
- Belgium: Club Brugge
- Czechia: Slavia Praha
- England: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United
- France: Lens, Lille, Paris Saint-Germain
- Germany: Bayern München, Borussia Dortmund, Leipzig, Stuttgart
- Greece: AEK Athens
- Italy: Como, Inter Milan, Napoli, Roma
- Netherlands: Feyenoord, PSV Eindhoven
- Norway: Bodø/Glimt, Viking
- Portugal: Porto, Sporting CP
- Slovakia: Slovan Bratislava
- Spain: Atlético de Madrid, Barcelona, Real Betis, Real Madrid, Villarreal
- Turkey: Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray
- Ukraine: Shakhtar Donetsk
League Phase Matchdays
- Matchday 1: 8–10 September 2026
- Matchday 2: 13–14 October 2026
- Matchday 3: 20–21 October 2026
- Matchday 4: 3–4 November 2026
- Matchday 5: 24–25 November 2026
- Matchday 6: 8–9 December 2026
- Matchday 7: 19–20 January 2027
- Matchday 8: 27 January 2027
Knockout Stage Schedule
- Knockout play-offs: 16–17 & 23–24 February 2027
- Round of 16: 9–10 & 16–17 March 2027
- Quarter-finals: 6–7 & 13–14 April 2027
- Semi-finals: 27–28 April & 4–5 May 2027
- Final: 5 June 2027
Location of the 2027 Final
The decisive match will be held at Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid. This stadium, home to Atlético de Madrid since 2017, will host the Champions League final for the second time. It previously welcomed the 2019 final when Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 to secure their sixth European title.
Madrid will celebrate its sixth time hosting a Champions League final, second only to London among European cities.
What’s at Stake for the Champions?
The winners will receive the UEFA Champions League trophy, measuring 73.5 centimeters tall and weighing 7.5 kilograms. The 2026/27 champions also earn automatic entry into the 2027/28 Champions League league phase if they haven't qualified through their domestic leagues.
In August 2027, they will compete against the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League winners in the UEFA Super Cup.
