Champions League 2026-27: Expert Predictions and Key Contenders

Champions League 2026-27: Who Will Lift the Trophy?

The Champions League returns with Paris St-Germain aiming for a third consecutive title as the group stage kicks off on Tuesday. Five English clubs will challenge PSG, with Arsenal among the favourites to surpass their runners-up finish from last season.

Football analysts Julien Laurens and Guillem Balague shared their views on who might claim the crown, while statistical models offer insight into each team’s chances. Fans can also cast their votes for the potential champions.

BBC will air highlights throughout the season every Wednesday night at 22:00 BST via iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. Key moments will be featured in the Shorts tab of the app, with a special Match of the Day edition airing at 22:40 on BBC One. Additional Thursday match highlights will be shown on BBC Two at 22:30.

Who Are the Main Contenders?

Julien Laurens: Achieving three straight titles would be remarkable, but I doubt PSG will manage it without someone like Cristiano Ronaldo. Two in a row is already rare. They should reach the semifinals but winning a third seems unlikely. I’m skeptical about Jose Mourinho's project at Real Madrid. My prediction for the final includes Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Arsenal has Europe's strongest defense, which often decides trophies. I see PSG making the last four, Bayern as close runners-up, and Arsenal lifting the trophy.

Guillem Balague: PSG’s inconsistent start shows how tough it is to keep performing at top level. Luis Enrique demands intense, dynamic football, so the early stage will have surprises as they prepare for the season’s second half. Still, I expect them to come close again.Barcelona are excelling but still seek a center-back and striker to improve further. Arsenal have found consistent winning form, which boosts confidence. Those three clubs should make the semifinals unless they clash earlier. The fourth semifinalist could be Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, or Manchester City, depending on the draw.

Players to Watch This Season

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): Taking on the number 10 role under Mourinho suits him well. After a strong World Cup, expect him to score goals and be decisive.
• Nico Paz (Como): The young playmaker drives Como's style under Cesc Fabregas. A promising talent in their Champions League debut.
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG): Outstanding left winger with both feet, capable of game-changing moments. A Ballon d’Or contender.
• Ismaelo Ganiou (Lens): A quick, physical center-back who impressed last season and may attract Premier League interest.
• Donyell Malen (Roma): Prolific striker scoring nearly one goal per game. Roma’s return to the competition brings an entertaining side.

• Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): A top Ballon d’Or candidate whose style fits Bayern’s tactics perfectly.
• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): A young star eager to shine in a high-press system under Hansi Flick.
• Kaua Elias (Shakhtar Donetsk): A Brazilian talent likely to follow the club’s tradition of producing stars for Europe.
• Martin Odegaard (Arsenal): After injuries last year, he’s back strong and ready to lead his confident team.

Statistical Outlook

• Arsenal are rated as favourites with a 20.4% chance to win.
• Bayern Munich closely follow at 20%.
• Manchester City, last year’s champions, have a 12.7% probability.
• PSG rank fourth with a 7.3% chance of a historic three-peat.
• All five English teams rank in the top ten for winning odds and have over a 50% chance to reach the last-16.
• Liverpool holds the easiest group-stage draw, while Stuttgart has the most favourable overall schedule.
• Inter Milan leads among pot one teams for an easier path.
• Arsenal drew strong opponents like Real Madrid and Bayern but also two lower-ranked sides, offering a balanced group.
• Manchester City face tough rivals including Barcelona, PSG, and Napoli.
• Last season, Arsenal topped their group with one of the easiest fixture lists, Bayern finished second despite the toughest schedule.

Debutant Teams' Prospects

Guillem Balague:Como under Cesc Fabregas impresses by sticking with its vision. They could reach the knockout phase.LASK showed strong competitiveness but qualifying might be too much this time.Sabah of Azerbaijan rely on organisation but face daunting groups with Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Dortmund. Expect some surprises but no progression.Viking have a tough draw against Bayern, Atletico, Napoli, and Aston Villa. Norwegian football’s smart coaches and players give them a shot at the knockouts.