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Champions League 2026-27 Predictions: Who Will Lift the Trophy?

The Champions League is underway again, with the final set for 5 June next year in Madrid. Paris St-Germain aims to secure their third consecutive title as the group stage kicks off this Tuesday.

Five English clubs aim to challenge them, with Arsenal considered favourites to improve on last year's runner-up finish.

We gathered insights from football analysts Julien Laurens and Guillem Balague, along with statistical predictions. You can also cast your vote on who you think will win.

BBC will offer highlights of every Champions League match this season starting at 22:00 BST on Wednesdays via BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and app. Key moments will be available under the Shorts tab, with a special Champions League Match of the Day airing on BBC One at 22:40. This week includes a Thursday highlights show on BBC Two at 22:30, with match highlights dropping at 22:00.

Top Contenders

  • Julien Laurens: Winning three straight titles is extraordinary, but I doubt PSG can manage it without a player like Cristiano Ronaldo. Two titles in a row is already impressive. I expect PSG to reach at least the semi-finals but not secure a treble.
  • For me, Bayern Munich and Arsenal are the most deserving apart from PSG. I back Arsenal to win because they boast Europe's best defence, which often clinches trophies. PSG should make the last four, Bayern will be close behind, and Arsenal to take the title.
  • Guillem Balague: PSG's inconsistent start shows the challenge of maintaining top form. Luis Enrique pushes for dynamic, high-pressure football, and the group stage serves as a testing ground before the decisive second half of the season. I see them coming close again.
  • Barcelona looks strong, though they want to add a centre-back and striker. Arsenal’s confidence from winning regularly boosts their play. I expect PSG, Barcelona, and Arsenal to reach the semifinals unless they clash earlier. Bayern, Real Madrid, or Manchester City could fill the fourth spot depending on the draw.

Players to Watch

  • Julien Laurens: Jude Bellingham will have a big season for Real Madrid in the number 10 role, building on his World Cup momentum. Expect goals and decisive performances.
  • Como’s Nico Paz is key to their play; under manager Cesc Fabregas, they are an entertaining team making their Champions League debut. Paz looks set to become a star.
  • Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, nicknamed 'Mr Champions League,' has been exceptional for PSG, scoring great goals and thrilling fans. He’s in Ballon d’Or contention.
  • Lens’ Ismaelo Ganiou is a standout centre-back, quick and physical. At 21, he might move to a Premier League club after this season.
  • Roma’s Donyell Malen has been prolific since joining, scoring nearly a goal per game as a lone striker. Roma’s return to the Champions League adds excitement.
  • Guillem Balague: Bayern’s Harry Kane is aiming for the Ballon d’Or, thriving in a system that suits him well.
  • Lamine Yamal, a hungry teenager, fits Hansi Flick’s vision of a high-pressing team.
  • Kvaratskhelia’s rising level means he will again be crucial for PSG’s success.
  • Shakhtar’s 20-year-old Brazilian Kaua Elias could be the next breakout star.
  • Martin Odegaard has bounced back from injuries and seems ready to lead his confident team.

Statistical Outlook

  • According to Opta, Arsenal leads the odds to win the Champions League at 20.4%, narrowly ahead of Bayern Munich at 20%.
  • PSG ranks fourth with a 7.3% chance to complete a historic three-peat.
  • Manchester City, champions in 2023, hold a 12.7% probability of winning again.
  • All five Premier League teams are inside the top 10 for overall winning chances and each has over a 50% chance to reach the last 16.
  • Opta's power rankings suggest Liverpool have the easiest group stage draw, while Stuttgart has the simplest route overall. Inter Milan holds the most favourable pot one draw.
  • Arsenal’s draw is quite balanced despite facing Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, as they also got two of the lowest-ranked teams in Sabah and Slovan Bratislava.
  • Manchester City faces a tough draw with Barcelona, PSG, and Napoli, making theirs one of the hardest among English clubs.
  • Last season, Arsenal topped the group phase with one of the easiest fixture lists, while Bayern finished second despite having the toughest schedule among all 36 teams.

Debutant Teams' Prospects

  • Guillem Balague: Como, managed by Fabregas, is showing promising development and could reach the knockout stages.
  • Austrian side LASK impressed by eliminating Celtic but likely won’t qualify past the group phase despite some solid home results.
  • Azerbaijan's Sabah relies on organisation but faces a brutal introduction against Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund. They might pull off surprises but probably won’t advance.
  • Norwegian Viking FC faces tough opponents including Bayern and Atletico but could use their clever coaching and competitive spirit to reach the knockouts.

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