Champions League 2026/2027: a preview from Oranje Palace

Europe’s biggest clubs, the world’s most stunning stadiums and players whose skills are simply mouth-watering. The UEFA Champions League returns in September. From then on, 36 clubs will be vying for Europe’s most prestigious club trophy, a title won by French side PSG in each of the past two seasons. What’s more, with PSV and Feyenoord taking part, there are two Dutch clubs in the running this season.

Who are the favourites? How does the group stage work again? Who will PSV and Feyenoord be facing? And which matches are absolute must-sees? Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2026/27 Champions League.

When does the Champions League start?

The Champions League group stage begins on Tuesday 8 September 2026. Interestingly, the first round of fixtures is spread over three days: 8, 9 and 10 September. There are still seven matchdays to go.

The final matches of the group stage will be played on Wednesday 27 January 2027. That evening, all 36 clubs will be in action at the same time. From that point onwards, the focus shifts to the play-offs and the knockout stages, with the final scheduled for Saturday 5 June 2027. It will be played at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid.

How does the Champions League work?

For the past two seasons, we have moved away from the traditional group stage. For the third season in a row, the first phase of the Champions League consists of a single group comprising a total of 36 clubs. Each club plays eight matches against eight different opponents. These comprise four home matches and four away matches.

Ultimately, the standings after eight matches determine what happens next. Teams ranked 1st to 8th qualify directly for the round of 16. The clubs finishing in positions 9 to 24 will first play a play-off round to decide the remaining eight places in the round of 16. For those ranked 25 to 36, the European season is over.

Champions League fixtures

The group stage of the Champions League takes place between September and January. All the fixtures are listed below:

Matchday 1: 8–10 September 2026
Matchday 2: 13 and 14 October 2026
Matchday 3: 20 and 21 October 2026
Matchday 4: 3 and 4 November 2026
Matchday 5: 24 and 25 November 2026
Matchday 6: 8 and 9 December 2026
Matchday 7: 19 and 20 January 2027
Matchday 8: 27 January 2027

Two Dutch clubs in the Champions League

The Champions League is even more exciting to follow, as two Dutch teams are taking part: PSV and Feyenoord. PSV qualified by winning the Dutch league title for the third year running, whilst Feyenoord also secured a place thanks to their second-place finish in the Eredivisie.

During the draw, PSV were placed in Pot 2. Feyenoord started in Pot 3. Following the draw, it became clear that both teams will have their work cut out for them, with a number of matches against Europe’s very best. On the other hand, there are fixtures in which they certainly stand a chance of achieving something.

PSV Champions League matches

Feyenoord’s Champions League matches

Champions League favourites

With 36 clubs taking part, it goes without saying that there are a large number of absolute top-tier teams in the competition. It is therefore no surprise that these top teams are once again regarded as the main favourites. Once again this season, there are high expectations for PSG, Luis Enrique’s side. He has led the French side to victory in the Champions League for the past two years.

Real Madrid are almost automatically among the favourites when the Champions League kicks off. As the Spanish club with the most titles, they know better than anyone how to win this competition. Clubs such as Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Inter are also among those with high expectations going into the tournament. After all, we’re talking about the champions of La Liga, the Premier League, Serie A and the [Bundesliga](/sport# sports-hub/football/germany/bundesliga).

Champions League winner odds

Below is a brief overview of the favourites according to Oranje Palace’s Sportsbook:

When is the Champions League final?

The final of the 2026/27 Champions League will be played on Saturday 5 June 2027. The match will take place at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid, the home ground of Atlético Madrid. Strangely enough, the stadium also hosted the Champions League final in 2019. On that occasion, Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur 2–0. Can Liverpool triumph once again in the Spanish capital?

Frequently asked questions about the Champions League

Which club has won the Champions League the most times?

Real Madrid is by far the record holder. The Spanish giants have been crowned champions of the European Cup I/Champions League no fewer than fifteen times. AC Milan follows with seven titles, whilst Bayern Munich and Liverpool have both won the competition six times.

Which Dutch club has won the Champions League the most times?

Ajax is the most successful Dutch club in Europe’s premier club competition. The Amsterdam side have won the European Cup I/Champions League four times. Feyenoord and PSV have each won the ‘big-eared’ trophy once.

Who was last season’s top scorer in the Champions League?

Kylian Mbappé was the top scorer in the Champions League last year. The Real Madrid forward scored fifteen goals in eleven matches. Harry Kane finished second with fourteen goals.

Who is the Champions League’s all-time top scorer?

With 141 goals, Cristiano Ronaldo is the Champions League’s all-time top scorer. Lionel Messi follows with 129 goals, whilst Robert Lewandowski is third with 109 goals.

Which Dutch clubs have ever won the Champions League?

In the past, three Dutch clubs have won the Champions League: Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV. Between them, they have won six European titles: Ajax four times, and Feyenoord and PSV once each.