UEFA Champions League 2026–27: Group Stage Draw, Schedule & How to Watch

# UEFA Champions League 2026–27: Complete Guide Europe's elite club competition returns in August 2026 with the new-format Swiss-system league phase. With Real Madrid chasing their fourth consecutive trophy and Manchester City, PSG, and Bayern Munich hunting revenge, this season promises to be historic. ## Key Dates | Phase | Dates | |-------|-------| | Qualifying Rounds | July–August 2026 | | League Phase Draw | August 28, 2026 | | League Phase MD1 | September 16–17, 2026 | | League Phase MD2 | October 1–2, 2026 | | League Phase MD3 | October 22–23, 2026 | | Knockout Playoffs | February 2027 | | Quarter-Finals | April 2027 | | Semi-Finals | April–May 2027 | | **Final** | **June 2027 (venue TBC)** | ## The Format Explained The new 36-team league phase means every club plays **8 matches** against different opponents before the knockout rounds. No more easy group stage draws — every team faces a mix of seeded and unseeded sides from the opening whistle. ## Expected Contenders ### Real Madrid Los Blancos are the reigning champions (again). With Vinicius Jr. and Mbappé in devastating form, they're everyone's favourite to retain the trophy. ### Manchester City Pep Guardiola's rebuilt side is hungrier than ever after their 2024-25 Premier League redemption. The Etihad will be rocking on European nights. ### PSG After their 2026 Champions League semi-final exit, Paris are back with a venomous squad. Dembélé and Barcola link up with a new striker signing expected in July. ### Bayern Munich The Bundesliga giants have rebuilt brilliantly. Their pressing game under their new manager has made them one of the most exciting sides in Europe. ## How to Watch Champions League 2026–27 Champions League matches are broadcast across **BT Sport** (UK), **DAZN** (Germany, Spain), **Canal+** (France), and **CBS Sports** (USA). **With StreamVault**, you get all these channels in one place: - No separate subscription for each broadcaster - All matches in HD and 4K where available - Works on every device — TV, phone, tablet, PC ## FAQs **Q: How many teams are in the Champions League 2026-27?** A: 36 clubs in the new league phase format. **Q: When does the Champions League 2026-27 start?** A: Qualifying begins in July 2026, with the main league phase starting September 16. **Q: Who won the Champions League 2025-26?** A: Real Madrid claimed their record-extending title for the fourth consecutive year. Watch every Champions League match live with StreamVault. **Start your free trial now.**