The UEFA Champions League 2026/27 league phase draw takes place on Thursday, 27 August, with Europe's top clubs discovering their eight opponents for the opening stage of the competition. Here is everything you need to know about how to watch, when it starts, and what to expect.

When and how to watch the draw

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5:00pm BST (12:00pm ET / 2:00am AEST on Friday). Supporters across the world can watch it free of charge on UEFA.tv, UEFA.com, and the official UEFA app — no subscription required.

UK-based viewers have the additional option of tuning in on TNT Sports 1, via HBO Max, or on TNT Sports' official YouTube channel. TNT Sports holds the broadcast rights for every Champions League fixture in 2026/27, alongside 52 Premier League matches as part of their package.

How the draw works

The 36 clubs competing in the league phase are split across four pots. Each club is drawn to face two opponents from each pot — two home fixtures and two away — giving every side eight league phase matches in total.

Clubs from the same domestic league cannot be drawn against one another, and no team may face more than two sides from the same country. A ball is drawn on stage to reveal each club, and a supercomputer then randomly assigns their eight opponents.

At the end of the league phase, the top eight sides in the standings advance automatically to the last 16. Teams finishing between ninth and 24th enter a knockout round play-off for the remaining spots.

Clubs to watch

Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain are among the nine clubs in Pot One as they target a third consecutive title. Arsenal, who lost last season's final on penalties, return as the competition's runners-up and are one of five English clubs in the league phase.

Bayern Munich, led by Harry Kane, are among the favourites, while Jose Mourinho takes charge of Real Madrid with a third Champions League triumph — with three different clubs — firmly in his ambitions. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola will contest the competition at this level for the first time, while Manchester City are now guided by Enzo Maresca following the departure of Pep Guardiola.

Manchester United return to the Champions League under Michael Carrick, and Aston Villa are back in the competition after a season's absence. One intriguing newcomer is Como, managed by former Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who could find himself facing one of his old clubs in the league phase.

League phase match dates

Matchweek 1: September 8–10, 2026
Matchweek 2: October 13–14, 2026
Matchweek 3: October 20–21, 2026
Matchweek 4: November 3–4, 2026
Matchweek 5: November 24–25, 2026
Matchweek 6: December 8–9, 2026
Matchweek 7: January 19–20, 2027
Matchweek 8: January 27, 2027