Today officially marks the start of the group stage of the 2026/2027 Champions League. As in the previous year, it will be held using the Swiss system: all teams have formed one large table and will play eight matches. The top 8 will advance directly to the Round of 16, while those finishing in positions 9 to 24 will enter the Round of 32. In the group stage of the new season of the UEFA Champions League 2026/2027, four debutant clubs will participate: Como (Italy), LASK (Austria), Sabah (Azerbaijan), and Viking (Norway). The current title holder is French PSG. On the first matchday of the tournament, the following matches will take place: Club Brugge — Aston Villa (19:45) AEK — LASK (19:45) **Real Madrid — Inter (22:00)** Porto — Manchester City (22:00) Borussia Dortmund — Villarreal (22:00) Lille — Real Betis (22:00)
