UEFA has officially announced the date for the draw of the 2026-2027 Champions League league phase, set to take place on Thursday, 27 August. This event will determine the matchups for the 36 teams that have qualified for Europe's premier club competition.

Qualification Process Underway

As the draw approaches, several qualification spots remain undecided. The knockout rounds of the Champions League qualifying phase are currently in progress, with clubs competing in two-legged matches. The return legs of these qualifiers are scheduled for 25 and 26 August, as teams aim to secure their places among Europe's elite.

Format of the Competition

The Champions League adopted a single-league format starting in the 2024-2025 season. Under this system, each of the 36 participating teams plays eight matches in the initial phase, facing different opponents—four at home and four away. The top eight teams will advance directly to the knockout stage, while those finishing between ninth and 24th will compete in a two-legged playoff to earn a spot in the round of 16.

Paris Saint-Germain has claimed the last two Champions League titles, both won under the current format, showcasing their dominance in the competition.