The draw for the 2026-27 Champions League takes place today, featuring 36 clubs competing in the Swiss League format. Despite the expanded league, only a few teams are strong contenders for the title in Madrid next June.

Can PSG Achieve a Third Consecutive Win?

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) remains a dominant force with prospects of achieving a three-peat. This feat places them in the ranks of historical giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Ajax. The club has optimized its squad during the summer, making strategic adjustments to their attacking lineup and overall team composition.

Arsenal’s Push for European Glory

Arsenal, nearly victorious last year, eyes the Champions League as their main objective for the season. Their squad is deep and competitive, though questions remain about the elite status of some key attacking players.

Barcelona’s Quest to Return to the Final

Barcelona plans to focus on Europe following their domestic success. Their attacking lineup boasts strength, especially with additions like Rodri, but they face uncertainty in finding a central striker after recent departures.

Ranking of Clubs

The ranking of clubs is subjective and open to debate, yet here’s how The Athletic assesses the teams from rank 36 to 1

36. Sabah

Sabah, formed in 2017, is the second Azerbaijani team to qualify for the Champions League after defeating Hapoel Be’er Sheva. Despite their success in domestic league games, they are considered underdogs.

35. Slovan Bratislava

Slovan Bratislava boasts a significant win streak, but their prior Champions League performance was lackluster—losing all games and conceding 27 goals.

34. Viking

Viking was a surprise title winner last season, with Zlatko Tripic in form, reaching the group stage for the first time.

33. LASK

LASK’s comeback win against Celtic illustrates their potential. The Austrian champions rely on a strong tactical presence and capable attacking duo Usor and Adeniran.

32. AEK Athens

AEK Athens has performed strongly recently, led by Luka Jovic, and has familiar names throughout their squad.

31. Slavia Prague

Known for their direct and intense style, Slavia Prague failed to secure wins in last year’s tournament despite threatening upsets against top teams.

30. Fenerbahce

Fenerbahce has invested heavily, boasting a considerable lineup including Vedat Muriqi and Romelu Lukaku.

29. Stuttgart

Under Sebastian Hoeness, Stuttgart transformed significantly, seeking to achieve their first knockout stage since 2010.

28. Galatasaray

Despite possessing consistent scorer Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray’s performance fluctuates, highlighted by unpredictable playoff round Luck.

27. Lens

Lens experienced significant talent and managerial losses after a successful Ligue 1 season, impeding their competitive strength.

26. Feyenoord

Once a prestigious force, Feyenoord grapples with reduced competitiveness within the Eredivisie and European landscape.

25. Shakhtar Donetsk

Shakhtar Donetsk’s Champions League bid proceeds amidst ongoing domestic conflicts, propelled by their Brazilian talent pool.

24. Bodo/Glimt

After a surprising run last season reaching knockouts, Bodo/Glimt maintains their strong form, presenting a formidable front.

23. Villarreal

Villarreal seeks redemption following a disappointing Champions League campaign amid strong domestic league performance.

22. Real Betis

Real Betis, back after 21 years, relies on manager Manuel Pellegrini and attacking prospect Troy Parrott for progress.

21. Club Brugge

Despite key departures, Club Brugge continues their tradition of nurturing promising young football talent.

20. Lille

Lille’s reliance on veteran Olivier Giroud contrasts efforts to inject youthful vigor through new acquisitions.

19. Sporting CP

Sporting CP’s impressive quarter-finals run last season exceeds expectations, with smart acquisitions enhancing their squad.

18. PSV

Despite domestic dominance, PSV’s Champions League venture poses challenges following key player sales.

17. RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig undergoes manager and player transitions impacting their Champions League prospects.

16. Porto

Porto’s title-winning side faces uncertainty due to striker Aghehowa’s injury affecting their attacking capabilities.

15. Aston Villa

Amid player departures and new challenges, Unai Emery strives to balance competing in the Champions League and Premier League.

14. Como

Como’s remarkable rise through Serie A enables their Champions League appearance, reinforcing their challenge around young talent Nico Paz.

13. Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund consistently competes despite domestic dominance by Bayern, expecting significant impact from new Greek signings.

12. Napoli

Napoli’s European impact remains limited despite domestic success, driven by managerial evolution.

11. Roma

With eye-catching potential, Roma mixes unpredictability in the league with knockout ambitions, especially with Donyell Malen performing.

10. Manchester United

Michael Carrick’s Manchester United aims for impactful Champions League participation amid managerial transition and squad changes.

9. Atletico Madrid

Consistent under Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid faces squad evolution challenges without Griezmann.

8. Liverpool

With varying squad quality, Andoni Iraola navigates Liverpool’s potential rejuvenation amid managerial transition.

7. Inter

Inter, double winners, retain crucial players to spearhead another formidable Champions League endeavor.

6. Manchester City

Experiencing significant roster changes, Manchester City’s unpredictability entails both prospects and risks.

5. Real Madrid

With historical prestige, Real Madrid maneuvers managerial uncertainties alongside significant player acquisitions.

4. Barcelona

Barcelona recalibrates focusing on European success, cautiously hopeful about their attacking prospects.

3. Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich’s vigorous ambition champions their strong attacking lineup, driven by standout recruits under Kompany.

2. Arsenal

Arsenal spearheads strong European aspirations following Premier League success, albeit facing strategic concerns.

1. Paris Saint-Germain

PSG, equipped for a historic Champions League run, manages squad optimization and strategic deployments across the competition.