The 2026-27 Champions League returns with its 36-team league-phase format, and Paris Saint-Germain defending after beating Arsenal in the 2025-26 final. The league phase draw is August 27, 2026, and the final is at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid on June 5, 2027. Grab the free printable knockout bracket below and follow the road to Madrid.
Quick Facts
- Competition: UEFA Champions League, 36 teams (league-phase format)
- League phase draw: Thursday, August 27, 2026
- League phase: September 8, 2026 – January 27, 2027 (8 matchdays)
- Final: Saturday, June 5, 2027, Estadio Metropolitano, Madrid
- Defending champion: Paris Saint-Germain
- US TV: Paramount+ (CBS)
Free printable Champions League bracket
Print the knockout bracket and fill it in as the Round of 16 is set in February. It runs from the Round of 16 through the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final in Madrid.
How the 2026-27 Champions League format works
All 36 clubs play in a single league phase, each facing eight different opponents. The top eight teams advance straight to the Round of 16. Teams finishing 9th through 24th enter a two-legged knockout phase play-off in February to reach the last 16, while teams 25th to 36th are eliminated. From the Round of 16 on, it is a traditional two-legged knockout bracket to the one-off final.
2026-27 Champions League schedule: key dates
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| August 27, 2026 | League phase draw |
| September 8-10, 2026 | League phase Matchday 1 |
| January 27, 2027 | League phase final matchday |
| February 16-24, 2027 | Knockout phase play-offs |
| March 9-17, 2027 | Round of 16 |
| April 6-14, 2027 | Quarter-finals |
| April 27 – May 5, 2027 | Semi-finals |
| June 5, 2027 | Final (Estadio Metropolitano, Madrid) |
How to watch the Champions League in the US
Every Champions League match streams in the United States on Paramount+, the home of English-language UCL coverage through 2029-30. For the domestic leagues, see our 2026-27 European Soccer Hub.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026-27 Champions League final?
Saturday, June 5, 2027, at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid.
How does the Champions League format work?
Thirty-six teams play a single league phase of eight games. The top eight go straight to the Round of 16; teams 9-24 play a February play-off for the last spots; teams 25-36 are eliminated.
How can I watch the Champions League in the US?
All matches stream on Paramount+ in the United States.
Official draws and results: UEFA Champions League.
