The draw for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase is set to take place in Monaco on Thursday, 27 August. This season introduces a new format that will see 36 teams compete, with clubs learning their eight opponents as they aim for a place in the knockout rounds.

Details of the Draw

Scheduled for 18:00 CET (17:00 BST), the draw will reveal the matchups for the league phase. The complete list of participating teams will be finalized after the conclusion of the seven qualifying play-offs, which are set to finish on Tuesday and Wednesday. Currently, 29 clubs have already secured their spots, including defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, who triumphed over Arsenal in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in the 2026 final.

Qualified Teams and Format Changes

England boasts five representatives in the tournament: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Aston Villa. Spain also has five clubs qualified, while Italy and Germany have four each. France is represented by three teams, and the Netherlands and Portugal each contribute two. Belgium, Czechia, Türkiye, and Ukraine each have one club in the league phase.

The new league-phase format differs from the traditional group-stage draw, as teams will not be placed into groups. Instead, each club will face eight different opponents, including two from their own seeding pot. UEFA will provide further details on seedings and the draw procedure on the morning of the event.

As the Champions League approaches, anticipation builds among fans and clubs alike, eager to see how the new format will unfold in the upcoming season.