The draw for the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League league phase has concluded in Monaco, revealing the matchups for all 36 participating teams ahead of the competition’s kickoff on September 8. This marks the third season of the league phase format, which was introduced in the 2024-25 campaign.
Before the draw took place, Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos was honored as the inaugural recipient of the UEFA Respect: Beyond the Game Award. Additionally, football legend Thierry Henry received the UEFA President’s Award from Aleksander Ceferin, highlighting their contributions to the sport.
Big clashes set as holders and giants prepare for the new season
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will face formidable opponents including Barcelona and Manchester City in this season’s league phase. PSG, managed by Luis Enrique, secured their title by defeating Premier League winners Arsenal on penalties in the May final. Their home fixtures will include hosting Barcelona, while they will travel to Manchester City. The Parisians’ other opponents are Roma, Aston Villa, Galatasaray, Villarreal, Slovan Bratislava, and Como.
Meanwhile, record 15-time champions Real Madrid will be drawn against Inter Milan and Arsenal, among other clubs. Real Madrid will host Inter at home and travel to face Arsenal in England. Their remaining adversaries include PSV Eindhoven, Roma, RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk, LASK, and AEK Athens.
The upcoming clash between Real Madrid and Inter Milan will have an added layer of intrigue as José Mourinho, newly reappointed as Real Madrid’s manager in June, reunites with one of his former clubs. Mourinho previously guided Inter Milan to a Champions League triumph in 2010, making this encounter particularly noteworthy.