2026/27 UEFA Champions League Draw: Team Pots Explained
The upcoming 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase will feature 36 teams split into four pots, each containing nine clubs. UEFA will confirm the final lineup before the draw scheduled for August 27.
Currently, 29 teams have secured their spots in the league phase. The last seven places will be decided through play-offs with second legs set for August 25 and 26.
How Are the Pots Formed?
The 36 teams are divided into four pots of nine clubs based on club coefficient rankings at the start of the season. One exception applies: the reigning Champions League winner automatically occupies the top seed in Pot 1.
- Pot 1: Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Manchester City, Inter Milan, Arsenal, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid
- Pot 2: Borussia Dortmund, Roma, Sporting CP, Aston Villa, Porto, Manchester United, Club Brugge, Real Betis, PSV Eindhoven
- Pot 3: Feyenoord, Lille, Napoli, RB Leipzig, Villarreal, Shakhtar Donetsk, Galatasaray
- Pot 4: Slavia Prague, Stuttgart, Como, Lens
Understanding the Draw Format
Being in Pot 1 doesn’t guarantee avoiding other strong opponents. Each team will face eight different clubs during the league phase: two from each pot including their own. Matches are split evenly between home and away.
For instance, a team in Pot 1 will compete against two other Pot 1 teams plus two teams each from Pots 2, 3, and 4.
Generally, clubs from the same national association won't meet in this stage. Also, any club can face no more than two opponents from another single association.
Key Dates and Details
- Draw Date: Thursday, August 27 at 18:00 CET in Monaco
- Play-off Matches: Second legs on August 25 and 26 to finalize the 36-team league phase
- League Phase Duration: September 8, 2026, to January 27, 2027
- Matches: Each club plays four home and four away matches
Until UEFA officially confirms the seedings on August 27, any lists of the pots should be viewed as tentative.
You can catch live coverage of the Champions League draw and matches on beIN SPORTS Xtra, available free on YouTube.
