UEFA Champions League qualifying is currently underway, with the second qualifying round draw taking place on 17 June 2026. This draw will outline the next steps for clubs aiming to reach the league phase of the tournament.

Current Status of the Tournament

The 2026-27 Champions League has not yet progressed to the league phase, and notably, no English clubs are participating in this stage of qualifying. The draw on Wednesday is pivotal, as it will set the stage for the upcoming two-legged ties that are essential for teams aspiring to compete in the main competition.

Details of the Qualifying Process

The tournament remains in the qualifying phase, which includes a play-off round scheduled from July to August. According to UEFA’s timetable, the first qualifying round will commence on 7-8 July, followed by the second round on 21-22 July and 28-29 July. The third qualifying round is set for early August, with the play-off round later in the month. As of now, there are no Champions League results to report, making the draw the focal point for clubs looking to advance.

Implications of the Draw

The qualifying system is divided into a Champions Path and a League Path, categorizing teams based on their domestic qualifications. Each tie will be contested over two legs, with the aggregate score determining which teams progress. Clubs must secure victories across both legs to continue their European campaigns, while any failure to do so results in elimination from the tournament.

At this stage, there is no immediate impact for English clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, or Tottenham, as they are not involved in this qualifying draw. UK fans are observing the draw's implications, but the English teams will enter the competition at a later point, meaning there are currently no injury or managerial updates relevant to them.

The second qualifying round draw is the next significant event, paving the way for the scheduled matches in July. The winners of these ties will move forward in the qualifying process, while the journey for others will come to an end.