The Champions League draw for the 2026-27 season is taking place today in Monaco. Paris Saint-Germain are aiming for their third consecutive victory, while teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal are ready to challenge their dominance.
The league phase features 36 teams, each playing eight matches to attempt a qualification to the knockout stage. The start time for the draw is 5pm BST, 12pm ET, and 9am PT. You can watch the draw live on UEFA.com, UEFA.tv, and CBS Sports Golazo Network, particularly for U.S viewers.
Champions League Contenders
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG): PSG look to join the small list of clubs to achieve a three-season winning streak in the Champions League. They have bolstered their lineup with new talent like Ferran Torres and Maghnes Akliouche. Their strong offensive lineup features Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, and Ousmane Dembele.
Manchester City: The club has undergone significant changes, including a new manager, Enzo Maresca. The loss of key players Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and John Stones adds to the unpredictability of their performance this season.
Como: The relatively new entrants have secured a Champions League spot by finishing fourth in Serie A last season. Their squad includes exciting young talent like Nico Paz.
RB Leipzig: Leipzig’s management shift and player transfers, such as Yan Diomande’s sale, present challenges. They will rely on new strategies under coach Martin Demichelis.
Real Betis: Returning to the Champions League after 21 years, Real Betis will rely on the experience of manager Manuel Pellegrini. Key players like Antony can provide the necessary edge for progress.
Shakhtar Donetsk: As they adapt to their temporary home in London, Shakhtar remains a vital entry point for Brazilian talent in European football.
UEFA’s Legal Concerns with FIFA
In breaking news, UEFA is considering criminal proceedings against FIFA President Gianni Infantino. A legal document highlights concerns over a potentially undervalued sale of FIFA commercial rights to a U.S. fund by Infantino, actions deemed potentially fraudulent by UEFA.
Fenerbahce and Sabah
Fenerbahce: Recent investments signal their intent to play competitively, supported by key players like Vedat Muriqi and Romelu Lukaku.
Sabah: The Azerbaijani team, formed in 2017, marks its Champions League entry after a domestic league success.
New Format and Competitive Landscape
The Champions League now features an eight-game league phase, offering teams more opportunities to recover from early losses compared to the older format. However, reaching the knockout phase remains challenging, requiring strategic gameplay during the league phase.
Tension between UEFA and FIFA has escalated, impacting their collaborations. Meanwhile, fans remain eager as the Champions League draw sets up an engaging new season.