The 2026–27 Champions League league phase matches were unveiled in Monaco on Thursday—UEFA’s trusty supercomputer, aided by Thierry Henry and David Villa’s abilities to push a giant button, taking the drama away from an event that used to be full of suspense and tension.
Nevertheless, the draw has teed up some mouth-watering clashes, with PSG, the French powerhouse and back-to-back champions, seeking a historic three-peat—something only Real Madrid, managed once more by the great but divisive José Mourinho, have achieved (2016–2018) in the modern era.
Arsenal, last season’s beaten finalists and Premier League champions for the first time since 2004, will expect to be there or thereabouts in May, as will Barcelona who have gone over a decade without success on the European stage. You can never discard Madrid, either, given they are the record-setting 15-time winners.
Four debutants will play in the Champions League proper for the first time, while many eyes will be on the likes of Bodø/Glimt (last season’s surprise package) and Como, who have made incredible strides under the watchful eye of Cesc Fàbregas.
To whet the appetite further, here’s Sports Illustrated’s ranking of all 36 teams.
36. Sabah FK
View this post on Instagram
Making their first appearance since 2018–19, Roma are into their second year with Gian Piero Gasperini in charge and have garnered the ’surprise package’ tag from some. They’ll need Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen to purr, but the early signs in 2026–27 have been promising.
Notable League Phase Opponents: Real Madrid (H), PSG (A), Manchester United (A)
13. Aston Villa
Things currently look bleak for the Villans, who weren’t exactly helped by the automated draw-makers. This is a mightily tricky set of league phase fixtures, and they seem weeks away from being even semi-prepared for the slog away. At least Unai Emery’s at the helm.
Notable League Phase Opponents: Barcelona (A), PSG (H)
12. Borussia Dortmund
The German club has found a way of consistently punching above its weight against the continent’s aristocracy, but they were found wanting last season. Still, the summer recruitment has excited supporters, and they’re always a tough out at Signal Iduna Park.
Notable League Phase Opponents: Arsenal (A), Inter Milan (H)
11. Napoli
An injury crisis meant Antonio Conte’s wretched Champions League record continued last season, as Napoli failed to finish in the top 24. Max Allegri is the new man in the dugout, and he’ll likely focus on challenging Inter Milan and Roma for the Scudetto.
Notable League Phase Opponents: Arsenal (H), Manchester City (A)
10. Liverpool
Liverpool’s have certainly spent with the intention of claiming a seventh European crown, but Andoni Iraola’s team don’t yet appear genuine contenders for Paris Saint-Germain’s throne. They are, at least, buying the Parisians’ players.
Notable League Phase Opponents: Inter Milan (A), Atlético Madrid (H)
9. Manchester United
Michael Carrick’s Red Devils are back in the big time, and it’s been a very long time since they last left an impression in this competition. Man Utd were last quarterfinalists in 2018–19, and have failed to reach the semifinals since 2010–11. Is this group good enough to challenge the very best?
Notable League Phase Opponents: Bayern Munich (H), Atlético Madrid (A)
8. Atlético Madrid
7. Inter Milan
6. Real Madrid
View this post on Instagram
