On August 27–29, 2026, the Champions League draw assigned defending champion Paris Saint-Germain to face Barcelona and Manchester City in the new 36-team league-phase format. Real Madrid begins play on September 8 against Inter Milan in the first league-phase match.
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Two-time defending champion Paris Saint-Germain will host Manchester City and travel to Barcelona in the Champions League main phase this season.
Two-time defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will host Manchester City and travel to Barcelona in the Champions League this season, after the 36-team draw was made Thursday. Real Madrid will face Inter Milan and Arsenal, among a host of mouth-watering clashes.
Last season's runners-up Arsenal, will play the likes of Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Lille in the league phase.
Gunners to meet José Mourinho’s Real Madrid at the Emirates in league phase
As part of the ongoing Champions League, two-time European champions PSG will host Barça and travel to England. Meanwhile, a host of meetings are set to take place including José Mourinho and his former clubs, Olivier Giroud with Arsenal and Yan Diomandé with Leipzig.
Record 15-time European champion Real Madrid will start the league phase of the Champions League on September 8 when it hosts Inter Milan.