The 2026/27 UEFA Women’s Champions League begins its league phase this week, featuring marquee openers such as Bayern München vs Manchester City and defending champions Barcelona against Paris FC. The competition’s second season under the new format welcomes both seasoned contenders and newcomers, setting the tone for a high-stakes European campaign.
Manchester City Return, Face Bayern München in Opener
English champions Manchester City resume their European campaign after a season's absence, opening against last season's semi-finalists Bayern München. City’s attacking threat starts with Khadija Shaw, who netted 21 goals in 22 domestic matches last season. Shaw made a memorable impact in her previous Champions League opener, scoring in City's win over reigning champions Barcelona. However, City will need to be cautious against Bayern’s potent offense, highlighted by Klara Bühl, who recorded a league phase-best eight assists last season, and Pernille Harder, who finished with eight goals—third highest in the previous tournament.
Barcelona Launch Title Defense Against Paris FC
Barcelona enters their campaign at home to Paris FC, the team they beat 2-0 in last season’s competition. With several squad changes over the summer, Barcelona has added Brazilian international Kerolin to an attack already featuring last season's top scorer Ewa Pajor. Fans can also expect to see Caroline Graham Hansen and Vicky López, who both found the net against Paris FC previously. Paris FC, aiming to match their run to last season’s knockout play-offs, have recruited Evelyne Viens, known for her hat-trick performance with Roma in the prior season, to bolster their chances.
Debutants and Standout Players to Follow
This season spotlights debutant teams and emerging stars. Austria Wien makes its league phase debut after Kosovan forward Modesta Uka scored six goals during qualification, including a hat-trick that secured their place. Uka is drawing on her experience from last year’s quarter-final appearance in the Women's Europa Cup. Meanwhile, OL Lyonnes features Melchie Dumornay, twice named Young Player of the Season. Dumornay stood out last year with a double against Arsenal on opening night and was pivotal in Lyon’s journey to the final. Lyon's campaign starts with an away match at Servette, who return after four years.
Format and Key Dates
Eighteen teams are set to compete over six matchdays in the league phase, with the top four advancing automatically to the quarter-finals. Teams finishing fifth through twelfth will contest play-offs for the remaining knockout spots. The league phase concludes in December, with the final scheduled for late May at Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw.
