MaplePitch Logo

2026/27 UEFA Champions League: Start Dates and Schedule for the League Phase

The UEFA Champions League, the pinnacle of club soccer competitions, is about to kick off its main stage. After wrapping up the qualification rounds, 36 teams will compete in the league phase, aiming to secure one of 24 spots in the knockout rounds.

Paris Saint-Germain, French giants who have claimed back-to-back titles, are chasing a rare three-peat — an achievement only three clubs in the tournament’s history have managed.

Here’s a guide on when you can catch the action as the group stage approaches.

League Phase Start and Match Schedule

The 2026/27 Champions League league phase starts on Tuesday, September 8. The opening matchweek will spread over three days — Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday — continuing the format used since recent changes.

Subsequent matchweeks will hold games mostly on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

The draw to set all fixtures will take place on Thursday, August 27.

Match Dates for the League Phase

  • Matchweek 1: Sept. 8-10
  • Matchweek 2: Oct. 13-14
  • Matchweek 3: Oct. 20-21
  • Matchweek 4: Nov. 3-4
  • Matchweek 5: Nov. 24-25
  • Matchweek 6: Dec. 8-9
  • Matchweek 7: Jan. 19-20
  • Matchweek 8: Jan. 27 (all matches on this day)

Every team will play eight matches during this phase. To maintain fairness, the final set of games all happen on Wednesday, January 27, preventing any team from having an advantage.

Knockout Stage Timeline

The knockout rounds begin with the playoff stage starting February 16, 2027. The top eight teams from the league phase skip this and head straight to the Round of 16, which kicks off March 9, 2027.

There will be two draws: one on January 29, 2027, for the knockout playoffs bracket, and another on February 26, 2027, to decide the Round of 16 matchups.

Knockout Round Dates

  • Knockout Playoff Draw: Jan. 29, 2027
  • Knockout Playoff First Leg: Feb. 16-17, 2027
  • Knockout Playoff Second Leg: Feb. 23-24, 2027
  • Round of 16 Draw: Feb. 26, 2027
  • Round of 16 First Leg: Mar. 9-10, 2027
  • Round of 16 Second Leg: Mar. 16-17, 2027
  • Quarterfinals First Leg: Apr. 6-7, 2027
  • Quarterfinals Second Leg: Apr. 13-14, 2027
  • Semifinals First Leg: Apr. 27-28, 2027
  • Semifinals Second Leg: May 4-5, 2027
  • Final: June 5, 2027

The Final Showdown

The 2027 UEFA Champions League final is scheduled for Saturday, June 5. The venue will be the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain — home ground of Atletico Madrid.

Related News