The 2026-27 UEFA Champions League is nearing completion in terms of team qualifications, with 29 out of the 36 available spots already filled. The final teams will secure their places on Tuesday and Wednesday, leading up to the draw scheduled for Thursday, August 27.

Defending Champions and Historical Context

Paris Saint-Germain enters the tournament as the defending champions, having successfully retained their title in 2026. They achieved this by overcoming Arsenal in a penalty shootout during last season's final, which marked a significant moment for the club as they captured their long-awaited European crown the previous year.

Real Madrid's Legacy

Real Madrid holds the record for the most UEFA Champions League titles, boasting an impressive 15 victories. Their latest triumph came in 2024, further solidifying their status as a dominant force in the tournament's history.

This season marks the third iteration of the Champions League's revamped format, which features a single league comprising 36 teams.