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The 36 Teams Set for European Glory
The 2026-27 UEFA Champions League features a star-studded 36-team field competing in the second edition of the new league phase format. With 29 direct qualifiers and 7 teams from qualifying rounds, the competition represents the pinnacle of European club football.
The third qualifying round draw was conducted on 20 July 2026, determining the final seven entrants who will complete the 36-team lineup. UEFA's official Champions League portal provides full details on all participants.
Confirmed Qualifiers
England's representatives include Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea. Spain sends Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid. Germany is represented by Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen. Defending Serie A champions Inter Milan lead the Italian contingent alongside Juventus and AC Milan.
Other qualified teams include Paris Saint-Germain (France), Ajax (Netherlands), Benfica and Porto (Portugal), Club Brugge (Belgium), Celtic (Scotland), and numerous champions from across UEFA's member associations.
2026-27 Key Dates
- League Phase Matchday 1: Week of 8-10 September 2026
- League Phase Matchday 2: Week of 22-24 September 2026
- League Phase Matchdays 3-8: October through January 2027
- Knockout Play-off Draw: Late January 2027
- Knockout Play-offs: February 2027
- Round of 16: March 2027
- Quarter-finals: April 2027
- Semi-finals: Late April / Early May 2027
- Final: Late May / Early June 2027
Format at a Glance
In the league phase, each of the 36 teams plays eight matches (four home, four away) against eight different opponents across all four seeding pots. The top eight advance directly to the Round of 16. Teams placed 9th to 24th enter a two-legged play-off. Positions 25th to 36th are eliminated with no Europa League transfer this season.
For detailed match schedules and standings, visit BBC Sport's Champions League hub and ESPN's UEFA Champions League coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
36 teams compete in the league phase — 29 direct qualifiers based on domestic league performance, plus 7 teams that advance through the qualifying rounds.
The league phase kicks off on Matchday 1 during the week of 8-10 September 2026, with eight matchdays running through to January 2027.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea are the four Premier League clubs that qualified for the 2026-27 Champions League league phase.
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