The UEFA Champions League is set to embark on its 72nd season in 2026/27, marking its 35th year under its current name and the third season utilizing the league phase format. This prestigious tournament will commence on 7 July 2026 and culminate with the final at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid on Saturday, 5 June 2027. It is important to note that all dates are subject to change.

Qualification Process

For the upcoming season, twenty-nine teams will qualify directly for the league phase, while the remaining seven spots will be filled through qualifying rounds, which will conclude with play-offs in August. The entry point for each team into the qualifying rounds is determined by their association club coefficient rankings, with all ties being contested over two legs.

Key Dates for the 2026/27 Season

The qualifying rounds and play-offs will take place on the following dates: the first qualifying round is scheduled for 7/8 and 14/15 July 2026, the second qualifying round on 21/22 and 28/29 July 2026, the third qualifying round on 4/5 and 11 August 2026, and the play-offs on 18/19 and 25/26 August 2026. The league phase matches will begin with Matchday 1 from 8 to 10 September 2026, followed by subsequent matchdays through January 2027.

The knockout phase will kick off with play-offs on 16/17 and 23/24 February 2027, leading into the Round of 16 in March, quarter-finals in April, and semi-finals at the end of April and early May. The final will take place on 5 June 2027, where the champions will be crowned at the Estadio Metropolitano, which has previously hosted the final in 2019.