The 2026/27 UEFA Champions League is already underway, with Europe’s top clubs competing in the third season of the 36-team league phase format.
The competition began in July with qualifying and the league phase kicked off in September. It will run through January before moving into the knockout rounds, with the final scheduled for June 2027 in Madrid.
How does the Champions League 2026/27 format work?
The Champions League now uses a single league table featuring 36 teams instead of the old eight-group system.
Each club plays eight league-phase matches against different opponents, with results contributing to one overall standings table.
The highest-ranked teams qualify directly for the knockout rounds, while others must go through the knockout play-offs before the round of 16.
The format is designed to create more variety in fixtures and more high-profile matches earlier in the competition.
Champions League 2026/27 key dates
The league phase began on 8 September 2026 and runs until 27 January 2027.
Key league-phase dates are:
- 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
The final is scheduled for 5 June 2027 at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid.
Which teams are in the league phase?
The 2026/27 league phase features clubs from across Europe, including major sides from England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France.
English clubs include Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Spain is represented by Atlético de Madrid, Barcelona, Real Betis, Real Madrid and Villarreal.
Other major teams include Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Inter, Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain and Porto.
Early results to watch
The opening matchday already produced several notable results.
Barcelona opened with a 5-1 win over Feyenoord, Paris Saint-Germain beat Slovan Bratislava 6-1, and Manchester United recorded a 4-0 victory over Sabah.
Manchester City won 2-0 away at Porto, Arsenal beat Napoli 1-0 and Liverpool defeated Atlético de Madrid 2-1.
These results give an early indication of which clubs may build momentum, although the expanded league phase means consistency across eight matches will be crucial.
Teams to watch in the Champions League 2026/27
Several clubs enter the competition with strong expectations.
Real Madrid remain one of the most closely watched teams because of their Champions League history and squad depth.
Manchester City continue to be a major contender, while Arsenal and Liverpool will be looking to make deep runs after strong domestic performances.
Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter also have the quality to challenge late into the tournament.
Why the league phase matters
The league format changes the importance of every match.
Instead of simply finishing first or second in a four-team group, clubs are competing for position across one large table.
Goal difference, away results and consistency against different styles of opposition can all become important when teams are separated by only a few points.
This makes every matchday more relevant and gives fans more meaningful fixtures throughout the autumn and winter.
What comes next?
The next league-phase matchday is scheduled for 13 and 14 October 2026.
From there, the competition will continue through December and January before the knockout stage begins.
With 36 teams competing and eight league-phase matches per club, the 2026/27 Champions League should provide plenty of storylines before the road to Madrid reaches its decisive stages.
