Football NewsMirror FootballUnverified source· 27 Aug 2026
Champions League draw dates and format revealed
Five English clubs learn their league phase opponents this Thursday.
Draw
Thursday, 5pm UK time
Format
36 teams, 8 matches each
Qualification
Top 8 advance, 9-24 playoff
Matchday 1
September 8/10
What happened. The Champions League league phase draw takes place on Thursday, with five English clubs awaiting their opponents.
- Each team plays eight different opponents, two from each pot.
- Top eight qualify automatically; ninth to 24th enter playoffs.
- League phase runs from September to January.
English clubs will learn their path in the revamped competition.
Read the full story at Mirror Football →
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