Champions League 2026-27: 29 teams confirmed, but seven spots remain up for grabs

Domestic leagues across Europe have reached their conclusion, with the exception of those that follow a summer schedule, mostly in the northern part of the continent. With that in mind, we already have a clear picture of how the league phase of the 2026-27 Champions League will shape up, with 29 of the 36 qualifiers already confirmed.

As has been the case in recent years, Europe’s biggest leagues have the most representatives. There are five teams each from England and Spain, with both countries earning an extra spot due to their clubs performing best in European competitions in 2025-26.

Italy and Germany will each have four teams involved. France has three, while the Netherlands and Portugal will have two each.

The champions of four other countries (Belgium, Czechia, Turkey and Ukraine) also earned automatic qualification for the league phase.

Confirmed 2026-27 Champions League league phase teams

England

• Arsenal
• Aston Villa
• Liverpool
• Manchester City
• Manchester United

Spain

• Atlético Madrid
• Barcelona
• Real Betis
• Real Madrid
• Villarreal

Italy

• Como
• Inter Milan
• Napoli
• Roma

Germany

• Bayern Munich
• Borussia Dortmund
• RB Leipzig
• Stuttgart

Netherlands

• Feyenoord
• PSV

Portugal

• Porto
• Sporting CP

Belgium

• Club Brugge

Czechia

• Slavia Prague

Turkey

• Galatasaray

Ukraine

• Shakhtar Donetsk

Although there are plenty of familiar names in the list, Como will make their Champions League debut after finishing fourth in Serie A, while Slavia Prague will take part in the first round for just the third time in their history.

How the final seven places will be decided

Fifty-two teams will compete for the seven remaining spots, which will be decided through four qualifying rounds.

Viking (Norway), AEK Athens (Greece), LASK (Austria) and Celtic (Scotland) are among the domestic champions that must navigate only a single two-legged tie to reach the league phase.

Among the clubs that must start further back are Lyon, Bodø/Glimt and Olympiacos (third qualifying round), as well as Red Star Belgrade and Fenerbahçe (second qualifying round).

Kairat, who played in the league phase in 2025-26, begin in the first qualifying round, meaning they must win four two-legged ties to repeat that achievement.

When is the draw for the 2026-27 Champions League?

The full lineup of 36 teams will be confirmed on Wednesday, August 26, when the second legs of the playoff round are completed. The draw for the league phase will take place on Thursday, August 27.

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