Champions League draw: Start time, confirmed pots, qualified teams and how to watch

The Champions League is almost back and this afternoon sees the league phase draw confirmed with a ceremony in Monaco.

Three months on from Paris Saint-Germain retaining their title on penalties against Arsenal in Budapest, this season’s competition takes shape, as each of the 36 teams discovers their eight league phase matches.

Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool are the English teams involved, but there is no Celtic – the Scottish champions crashed out in the play-off round after a stunning defeat to LASK.

Other big-hitters in pot one include holders PSG, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Champions League league phase draw.

When is the Champions League league phase draw?

The 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase draw starts at 5pm BST (12pm ET) today, Thursday August 27.

The draw will arrange the eight matches each team contests in the 36-team first phase – facing two teams from pots one, two, three and four. Half of the matches will be at home, the other half away.

Where can I watch the Champions League draw?

The draw will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max in the United Kingdom, the joint host broadcasters in the UK of the Champions League alongside Prime Video.

Champions League draw pots in full

Pot 1

Pot 2

Pot 3

Pot 4

How does the Champions League league phase work?

The top eight all automatically qualify for the last-16, while teams positioned ninth to 24th place qualify for the knockout-phase play-off. Teams finishing between ninth and 16th will be seeded and will host the second leg.

Teams who finish the league phase 25th or lower are out and do not drop into the Europa League.

PSG are targeting a third consecutive Champions League title (AP)

Champions League dates and schedule

Matchday 1: September 8-10

Matchday 2: October 13/14

Matchday 3: October 20/21

Matchday 4: November 3/4

Matchday 5: November 24/25

Matchday 6: December 8/9

Matchday 7: January 19/20

Matchday 8: January 27

Knockout phase play-offs: February 16/17 and 23/24

Round of 16: March 9/10 and 16/17

Quarter-finals: April 6/7 and 13/14