Sep 8
Matchday 1
Jan 27
MD8 Finale
Feb
Play-offs
Jun 5
Final: Madrid
With the draw complete and the full schedule now confirmed (August 29), here is every date that matters in the 2026-27 Champions League - from Matchday 1 on September 8 to the final at the Metropolitano on June 5, 2027.
The 8 League Phase Matchdays
| Matchday | Dates |
|---|---|
| MD1 | September 8-10, 2026 • Matchday 1 opens the season |
| MD2 | October 13-14, 2026 • Post-international break block |
| MD3 | October 20-21, 2026 • Second matchweek of October |
| MD4 | November 3-4, 2026 • First November matchweek |
| MD5 | November 24-25, 2026 • Late November double header |
| MD6 | December 8-9, 2026 • Final matchday of 2026 |
| MD7 | January 19-20, 2027 • Winter return |
| MD8 | January 27, 2027 • League phase concludes |
Matchday 1: The Opening Lineup
| Date | Fixtures |
|---|---|
| Tue Sep 8 | AEK Athens vs LASK • Club Brugge vs Aston Villa • Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal • Porto vs Manchester City • Lille vs Real Betis • Real Madrid vs Inter |
| Wed Sep 9 | Barcelona vs Feyenoord • Stuttgart vs Viking • Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid • Paris Saint-Germain vs Slovan Bratislava • Sporting CP vs Galatasaray • Napoli vs Arsenal |
| Thu Sep 10 | Fenerbahce vs Roma • PSV Eindhoven vs Shakhtar Donetsk • Como vs RB Leipzig • Bayern Munchen vs Bodo/Glimt • Manchester United vs Sabah • Slavia Praha vs Lens |
The Fixtures Everyone Will Talk About
Barcelona vs Manchester City (H)December 8. Rodri returns to face his old club in the most anticipated fixture of the league phase.
Manchester City vs PSG (H)October 14. The two-time holders visit the Etihad - the hardest home game on City's card.
PSG vs Barcelona (H)October 20. Ferran Torres' reunion game: the World Cup final hero faces his former club at the Parc des Princes.
Real Madrid vs Inter (H)September 8. The 15-time kings open the whole season by hosting Serie A's champions at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid (H)December 9. Last season's runners-up welcome the European royalty to the Emirates.
Bayern vs Arsenal (H)October 21. The Allianz Arena hosts the 2026 finalists - revenge on the cards.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid (H)September 9. A classic European night at Anfield to open the campaign.
Inter vs Liverpool (H)January 19. The San Siro lights up for the meeting of England's champions - the marquee match of the winter window.
When the Knockouts Happen
The league phase ends January 27, 2027, then: play-offs in February, Round of 16 in March, quarterfinals and semifinals across April and May, and the final on June 5 at Madrid's Metropolitano - where PSG chase a historic three-peat and Barcelona, Real Madrid, Man City and Arsenal all arrive as genuine contenders.
Shop the Contenders
Matchday 1 is less than two weeks away - get your shirt before the anthem plays:
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Don't Miss Matchday 1
Contender home shirts from €32.80 with printing available - ready for September 8.
Shop Champions League KitsFrequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026-27 Champions League start?
Matchday 1 is September 8-10, 2026. The full kickoff schedule for all 144 league phase matches was confirmed on August 29 - it opens with Real Madrid vs Inter at the Bernabeu on September 8.
What are the Champions League matchday dates for 2026-27?
MD1 Sep 8-10, MD2 Oct 13-14, MD3 Oct 20-21, MD4 Nov 3-4, MD5 Nov 24-25, MD6 Dec 8-9, MD7 Jan 19-20, MD8 Jan 27.
When is the Champions League final in 2027?
June 5, 2027 at the Metropolitano in Madrid - the first final in the Spanish capital since 2019.
Which fixtures should fans circle?
Barcelona vs Man City, Man City vs PSG, PSG vs Barcelona, Real Madrid vs Inter and Arsenal vs Real Madrid - the defining ties of the league phase.
How many games does each team play?
Eight - four at home, four away - against two opponents from each of the four pots. That is 144 matches in the league phase alone.
What happens to teams ranked 9-24?
They enter a two-legged play-off round in February 2027, with eight winners joining the top 8 in the Round of 16.
Where can I buy the contenders' jerseys?
At thesoccerkits.com - home, away and authentic shirts for Barcelona, Real Madrid, Man City, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern and Inter from 32.80 euros.