According to UEFA announcements, English clubs have learned their opponents for the 2026/27 Women’s Champions League league phase, with Arsenal drawing reigning champions Barcelona, Chelsea facing OL Lyonnes away, and Manchester City returning to European competition against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. All 18 participating clubs received six different opponents during the official draw held in Nyon, playing three matches at home and three away between September 22 and December 16, with full fixture schedules and kick-off times expected to be confirmed by UEFA.
Arsenal Face Barcelona and OL Lyonnes in Demanding League Phase
Arsenal face one of the most demanding schedules in the league phase. The Gunners will travel to Spain to play reigning champions Barcelona in a repeat of the 2025 final, which Arsenal won 1-0 to claim their second European title. Renée Slegers’ side will also host OL Lyonnes, the French club that ended Arsenal’s title defense in last season’s semi-finals. According to the draw details, Arsenal’s home matches include OL Lyonnes, Benfica, and HB Køge, while their away trips feature Barcelona, Paris FC, and league phase debutants Inter.
Chelsea Travel to Lyon Following Qualifying Success
Chelsea secured their place in the draw by defeating Real Sociedad 6-2 on aggregate in the third qualifying round. The Blues’ standout fixture is an away match against OL Lyonnes, a contest that brings head coach Sonia Bompastor back to the club she previously guided to the Champions League title in 2022 before moving to London. Chelsea’s home fixtures feature Paris Saint-Germain, Roma, and debutants Austria Wien, while their away schedule includes OL Lyonnes, Swedish side Häcken, and Belgian champions OH Leuven.
Manchester City Return to European Stage Against Real Madrid
Women’s Super League champions Manchester City return to European competition after missing out last year, following a best-ever quarter-final finish in the 2024/25 campaign. Taking part in the league phase format for the first time, City’s draw includes home matches against Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Austria Wien, alongside away fixtures against Bayern Munich, Häcken, and Inter.
Did you know? This season’s competition features two debutants in the league phase: Austria Wien and Inter, with the latter having knocked out two-time winners Wolfsburg during qualifying.
UEFA Women’s Champions League 2026/27 Key Dates
According to the official tournament calendar, the league phase spans six matchdays running from September through December:
- Matchday 1: September 22-23
- Matchday 2: September 30-October 1
- Matchday 3: October 28-29
- Matchday 4: November 10-11
- Matchday 5: November 18-19
- Matchday 6: December 16
The knockout phase play-offs begin with first legs on February 3-4, 2027, and second legs on February 10-11, 2027. Quarter-finals take place in March and April, semi-finals follow in May, and the final is scheduled for May at the Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026/27 Women’s Champions League league phase take place?
The league phase runs across six matchdays from September 22 to December 16.
Can teams from the same country play each other in the league phase?
No, teams from the same national association cannot meet during the league phase, preventing domestic clashes between English clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
Where is the 2026/27 final taking place?
The final is scheduled to be held at the Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw.
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