2026/27 UEFA Champions League: Key Dates for Group Stage and Knockouts

Start of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League Group Stage

The main phase of the UEFA Champions League, the premier club soccer tournament worldwide, is set to kick off on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. This season’s group stage will feature 36 teams competing for one of the 24 spots available in the knockout rounds.

The opening matchweek will be spread over three days: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. After that, matches will be held on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for each following matchweek. The specific fixtures will be finalized during the draw scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Group Stage Match Schedule

• Matchweek 1: September 8-10, 2026
• Matchweek 2: October 13-14, 2026
• Matchweek 3: October 20-21, 2026
• Matchweek 4: November 3-4, 2026
• Matchweek 5: November 24-25, 2026
• Matchweek 6: December 8-9, 2026
• Matchweek 7: January 19-20, 2027
• Matchweek 8: January 27, 2027 (all games played on this single day)

Each team will play eight matches during this group stage. The final matchday is set for Wednesday, January 27, 2027, ensuring no team gains any competitive edge through scheduling.

Knockout Phase Timeline

The knockout rounds start with the playoff round on February 16, 2027. The top eight teams from the group stage automatically advance to the Round of 16, which kicks off on March 9, 2027.

There are two key draws for the knockout rounds: one on January 29, 2027, to establish the bracket for the playoff round, and another on February 26, 2027, to decide the Round of 16 matchups.

Knockout Round Dates

• Knockout Playoff Draw: January 29, 2027
• Knockout Playoff Matches: First leg - February 16-17, 2027; Second leg - February 23-24, 2027
• Round of 16 Draw: February 26, 2027
• Round of 16 Matches: First leg - March 9-10, 2027; Second leg - March 16-17, 2027
• Quarterfinals: First leg - April 6-7, 2027; Second leg - April 13-14, 2027
• Semifinals: First leg - April 27-28, 2027; Second leg - May 4-5, 2027
• Final Match: June 5, 2027

Champions League Final Venue and Date

The climax of the 2026/27 season is set for Saturday, June 5, 2027. The final will take place at Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium, home ground of Atletico Madrid.

Additional Notes

Paris Saint-Germain enters as the defending champions, having won the last two editions. They aim to become one of the few clubs to secure three consecutive titles in Champions League history.