Champions League 2026-27: how the league phase works and what to watch on Matchday 1
36 teams, 144 matches, one giant table. The draw is done and Matchday 1 lands 8–10 September — here is the format explained and the fixtures worth your evening.
The league phase enters its third season and the format finally feels familiar: 36 clubs in one table, each playing eight different opponents — four at home, four away. Top eight go straight to the round of 16; places 9–24 fight through a playoff.
The dates
The draw was made in Monaco on 27 August. Matchday 1 runs Tuesday 8 to Thursday 10 September, with 18 matches across the three nights — including a Tuesday double-header that kicks off at 18:45 CET before the main evening slate.
Watching it on ArenaPass
- Every one of the 144 league-phase matches, not a broadcaster's pick
- Native 4K HDR10 on the marquee fixtures
- Multi-view for the simultaneous 21:00 kick-offs
- 7-day catch-up when a Tuesday match loses to bedtime
Open the Sports rail and the full matchday is grouped under one banner — no channel hunting across five broadcasters.
