Champions League draw: Start time, confirmed pots, qualified teams and how to watch


The Champions League is almost back and this afternoon sees the league phase draw confirmed with a ceremony in Monaco.

Three months on from Paris Saint-Germain retaining their title on penalties against Arsenal in Budapest, this season’s competition takes shape, as each of the 36 teams discovers their eight league phase matches.

Advertisement

Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool are the English teams involved, but there is no Celtic – the Scottish champions crashed out in the play-off round after a stunning defeat to LASK.

Other big-hitters in pot one include holders PSG, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Champions League league phase draw.

When is the Champions League league phase draw?

The 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase draw starts at 5pm BST (12pm ET) today, Thursday August 27.

The draw will arrange the eight matches each team contests in the 36-team first phase – facing two teams from pots one, two, three and four. Half of the matches will be at home, the other half away.

Advertisement

Where can I watch the Champions League draw?

The draw will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max in the United Kingdom, the joint host broadcasters in the UK of the Champions League alongside Prime Video.

Champions League draw pots in full

Pot 1

Pot 2

Pot 3

Pot 4

How does the Champions League league phase work?

The top eight all automatically qualify for the last-16, while teams positioned ninth to 24th place qualify for the knockout-phase play-off. Teams finishing between ninth and 16th will be seeded and will host the second leg.

Teams who finish the league phase 25th or lower are out and do not drop into the Europa League.

PSG are targeting a third consecutive Champions League title (AP)

PSG are targeting a third consecutive Champions League title (AP)

Champions League dates and schedule

Matchday 1: September 8-10

Advertisement

Matchday 2: October 13/14

Matchday 3: October 20/21

Matchday 4: November 3/4

Matchday 5: November 24/25

Matchday 6: December 8/9

Matchday 7: January 19/20

Matchday 8: January 27

Knockout phase play-offs: February 16/17 and 23/24

Round of 16: March 9/10 and 16/17

Quarter-finals: April 6/7 and 13/14

Semi-finals: April 27/28 and May 4/5

Final: June 5 (Estadio Metropolitano, Madrid)



Source link

  • Related Posts

    Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal, Man City to fight for Everton winger Ndiaye

    Aug 27, 2026, 04:13 AM ET Manchester City are keen on Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye but could face competition from Arsenal, while the Gunners are also tracking Marseille winger Igor…

    Test Match Special Podcast – A rout for Root in first Test back as skipper

    Available for over a year Simon Mann presents reaction from Headingley where England have beaten Pakistan inside three days in Joe Root’s first Test back as captain of the side.…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    OpenAI releases its official report on the Hugging Face breach

    OpenAI releases its official report on the Hugging Face breach

    Ottawa tweaks tariff reprisal after industry input

    Ottawa tweaks tariff reprisal after industry input

    Rupert Grint to Reprise Film Role of “Ron Weasley” in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway in New York City

    Democrats to Force Senate Vote on Israel’s Human Rights Practices

    Democrats to Force Senate Vote on Israel’s Human Rights Practices

    Soundcore’s Nebula X1S Projector Is An Incredibly Bright Version Of Its Popular Nebula X1

    Soundcore’s Nebula X1S Projector Is An Incredibly Bright Version Of Its Popular Nebula X1

    Exposed Bras Are Back—Here’s Everything You Need to Know

    Exposed Bras Are Back—Here’s Everything You Need to Know