Champions League 2026-27: Predictions and Key Players to Watch

Who Will Claim the Champions League Trophy in 2026-27?

The Champions League returns, with the final set for Madrid on June 5 next year. Paris St-Germain aims to make history by winning their third consecutive title as the group stage kicks off this Tuesday. Five English clubs are ready to challenge them, with Arsenal leading the pack after finishing runners-up last season.

We asked experts Julien Laurens and Guillem Balague for their thoughts on who might lift the trophy. You can also vote below on your choice for the champion.

BBC Sport will provide highlights of all Champions League matches throughout the season. Every Wednesday from 22:00 BST, match highlights will be available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport app and website, with key moments featured in the Shorts tab. On BBC One, a special Champions League Match of the Day airs at 22:40. This week includes an additional Thursday highlights show on BBC Two at 22:30, with clips released at 22:00.

Top Contenders

Julien Laurens says achieving a three-peat would be extraordinary for PSG but doubts it will happen. He believes two titles in a row is impressive enough and suggests that without a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, it's unlikely to go further. Laurens expects PSG to reach at least the semi-finals but picks Arsenal to win the trophy, citing their superior defense as the key advantage. He also mentions Bayern Munich as strong contenders, predicting a final involving Arsenal and Bayern, with PSG making the last four.

Guillem Balague points out PSG’s inconsistent start this season and notes Luis Enrique’s demanding style requires time to settle. He expects PSG to come close again. Meanwhile, Barcelona looks strong despite needing reinforcements, while Arsenal’s newfound consistency boosts their chances. Balague predicts the semi-finals will likely include PSG, Arsenal, Barcelona, and one of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, or Manchester City.

Players to Keep an Eye On

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): Laurens sees this season as crucial for Bellingham, who plays well in the number 10 role under Mourinho. After a solid World Cup, he anticipates Bellingham scoring frequently and being decisive.
• Nico Paz (Como): The young number 10 leads Como’s playmaking. Managed by Cesc Fabregas, Como’s first Champions League appearance promises entertaining football, with Paz expected to become a top talent soon.
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG): Nicknamed “Mr Champions League,” his performances on the left wing have been outstanding. Technical, versatile, and goal-scoring, he’s considered a Ballon d’Or contender.
• Ismaelo Ganiou (Lens): A strong and quick centre-back, Ganiou impressed in Lens' return to the Champions League and is tipped for a move to a major Premier League club.
• Donyell Malen (Roma): After moving from Aston Villa, Malen has thrived at Roma, scoring nearly a goal per game and helping make Roma exciting to watch again.

Balague adds:Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): A serious Ballon d’Or candidate whose style fits Bayern perfectly.Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): A determined teenager thriving under Hansi Flick’s high-press system.Kvaratskhelia: Expected to continue winning important games for PSG.Kaua Elias (Shakhtar): A promising Brazilian star in the making.Martin Odegaard (Arsenal): Returning strongly after injury, poised to lead Arsenal.

Statistical Insights

• Arsenal are favorites to win the tournament with a 20.4% chance according to Opta.
• Bayern Munich closely follow with a 20% probability.
• Manchester City, the 2023 winners, rank third with 12.7% odds.
• PSG have a 7.3% chance, placing fourth overall.
• All five English teams rank within the top 10 for overall winning chances and have over a 50% likelihood of reaching the last 16.
• For the group stage, Liverpool received the easiest draw, Stuttgart the easiest overall, and Inter Milan the most favorable among pot one teams.
• Arsenal drew Real Madrid and Bayern Munich but also two lower-ranked teams, Sabah and Slovan Bratislava, giving them a relatively balanced group.
• Manchester City face the toughest schedule among English sides, with Barcelona and PSG from pot one and Napoli from pot three posing big challenges.

Last season, Arsenal topped the group stage with one of the easiest draws, while Bayern finished second despite facing the hardest opponents.

Debut Teams’ Prospects

Guillem Balague admires Cesc Fabregas’ work at Como and their commitment to modern football. He expects them to reach the knockout phase. Austrian team LASK showed strong competitiveness in qualifying but may not advance further. Azerbaijani club Sabah, organized but facing giants like Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Dortmund, might cause some surprises but probably won’t qualify. Viking, facing tough groups including Bayern and Atletico, could still reach the knockouts thanks to Norway’s clever coaching and competitive players.