The 2026/27 UEFA Women’s Champions League has officially begun, with the league phase kicking off on September 22nd. This season, Barcelona returns as the reigning champion, aiming to defend the title it secured last May by decisively beating Lyon 4-0 in Oslo.
Among the 18 elite European clubs competing this year, notable names include Arsenal, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain, all of whom headline the competition with hopes of claiming the prestigious trophy.
Competition Format and Schedule
The tournament continues to employ the Swiss-system format introduced last season, where each team plays six matches during the league phase. The stakes remain high as the top four teams at the end of this phase will secure direct spots in the quarterfinals.
Teams placing from fifth to twelfth will have to navigate a playoff round to advance further, while those finishing thirteenth or lower will face elimination from the tournament.
Fans can mark their calendars for the initial matchdays: the first round of fixtures takes place from September 22-23, followed by the second on September 30th, and the third on October 28th. Broadcast details have also been made available, ensuring widespread access for viewers, particularly in the United States.