The Champions League 2026/27 is back with the draw for the league phase here and the Premier League’s contingent of five teams set to learn their opponents.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool are involved, but there will be no Celtic after the Scottish champions were thrashed by LASK in their play-off second leg to go out on aggregate.
Mikel Arteta will be desperate for another shot at European glory, following the agonising penalty shoot-out defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last term, with success in Europe the natural next step after claiming the Premier League title.
PSG will be determined to create history and secure a third successive title, too, with Luis Enrique overseeing one of the great modern teams.
Follow all the latest updates, reaction and analysis from the draw below
We’re getting closer
Ceferin departs, Henry remains because he will be doing the draw. Hopefully it starts soon.
He will be joined by David Villa.
Alan Smith27 August 2026 17:19
Henry wins President’s Award
Back in the Principality, where he first made his name, Thierry Henry has been given this year’s President’s Award. He gives a nice speech discussing the strength of meeting challenges.
Asked about Arsenal, he adds: “Three years ago quarters, two years ago semis, last year final. They just have to wait for next season. Joking aside … if you keep the core, understand what pain is and add what is needed to go the next step, you will achieve what hasn’t been done by Arsenal. PSG is an annoying team, they are annoying everyone but they went through pain too.”
Alan Smith27 August 2026 17:18
“Fair play is essential”
Marquinhos has sent a video message thanking Uefa for the trophy. “Fair play is essential” in football he says, adding he is honour to receive the award.
Alan Smith27 August 2026 17:09
Marquinhos wins Uefa’s 2026 Respect Award
Ceferin is presenting the PSG defender Marquinhos – or rather Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the club’s president – with a new award for his consolation of compatriot Gabriel after the Arsenal player’s missed penalty in the final shootout.
Alan Smith27 August 2026 17:08
Ceferin takes to the stage
Some small talk now from the hosts, Reshmin Choudhury and Pedro Pinto, and they will soon be joined by Aleksander Ceferin, the Uefa president.
We’re going to presume he is not asked about Gianni Infantino on stage.
Alan Smith27 August 2026 17:05
And we’re live!
The broadcast has begun with three women in Vuelta red dresses singing Tony Britten’s anthem, flanked by an orchestra.
Alan Smith27 August 2026 17:02
How to watch
A reminder that the draw will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max in the United Kingdom, the joint host broadcasters in the UK of the Champions League alongside Prime Video.
Alan Smith27 August 2026 16:56
Almost time!
The anticipation is palpable. Uefa’s live broadcast gets underway at 17:00 BST but it’s anyone’s guess what time the first name is drawn from Pot 1.
Alan Smith27 August 2026 16:48
Uefa consider opening criminal proceedings against Gianni Infantino
Uefa are considering bringing a criminal complaint against Gianni Infantino following the Fifa president’s plan to sell off commercial stakes in the World Cup.
A 56-page document, filed by Uefa’s lawyers in a federal court in the United States and seen by The Independent, declares that Uefa are “preparing to bring criminal claims in Switzerland against Infantino” for “criminal mismanagement” following Fifa’s failed Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
Uefa consider opening criminal proceedings against Gianni Infantino
The Fifa president is accused of ‘criminal mismanagement’ following his failed plan to sell off commercial stakes in the World Cup Miguel Delaney27 August 2026 16:46
Four newcomers
Thirty-two of the clubs have been here before but this is new ground for Como, Lask, Sabah and Viking.
The Serie A side, coached by Cesc Fabregas, could be among the most interesting sides considering their rapid ascent. And it will be a rather nice away trip should any Premier League club be drawn against them too.
Alan Smith27 August 2026 16:40NewerOlder