2026/27 UEFA Champions League Playoff Draw and Match Schedule
The qualification phase for the upcoming UEFA Champions League season has reached its final stage. Fourteen teams will compete in the playoff round for a chance to enter the main league phase of the 2026/27 tournament. The remaining spots will be determined by the third qualifying round.
These playoffs consist of two-legged ties held throughout August, with the league phase draw scheduled for August 27. Below is the confirmed playoff schedule as announced on August 3.
Details of the Playoff Draw
The draw took place on August 3 at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Fourteen teams have advanced to this playoff stage: ten from the champions path and four through the league path. Teams on the champions path earned their spot by winning their domestic leagues, while the league path includes sides qualifying through high domestic league finishes in countries with multiple Champions League places.
Ten of these playoff participants are yet to be finalized, as they will be decided during the third qualifying round matches occurring the weeks starting August 3 and August 10.
Matchups for the Playoffs
- Levski Sofia (BUL) or Kairat Almaty (KAZ) vs. AEK Athens (GRE)
- Celtic (SCO) vs. LASK (AUT)
- GNK Dinamo (CRO) or Zalgiris (LIT) vs. Viking (NOR)
- Mjallby (SWE) or Slovan Bratislava (SVK) vs. Ararat-Armenia (ARM) or Celje (SVN)
- Hapoel Be'er-Sheva (ISR) or Red Star Belgrade (SRB) vs. Aarhus (DEN) or Sabah (AZE)
- Fenerbahce (TUR) or Sturm Graz (AUT) vs. Sparta Prague (CZE) or Lyon (FRA)
- Olympiacos (GRE) or NEC (NED) vs. Union SG (BEL) or Bodo/Glimt (NOR)
Playoff Match Schedule
- First Legs: August 18 and 19
- Second Legs: August 25 and 26
The league phase draw will follow on August 27, one day after the second legs conclude. Specific kickoff times will be updated once confirmed by UEFA.
Europa League Qualification From Champions League Playoffs
Teams eliminated during this playoff round automatically enter the Europa League group stage. This marks the final chance for clubs to transition into that competition via Champions League qualifying. After the Champions League group stage begins, no further transfers into the Europa League occur based on knockout or league phase eliminations.
League Phase Draw Details
The draw for the Champions League league phase is set for August 27 in Monaco. It usually kicks off at 12 p.m. Central European Time (6 a.m. Eastern Time).
