This year’s Champions League is taking shape, as Tuesday’s third qualifying draw unveiled 2026/27 paths for Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Hot off a busy transfer window, Chelsea drew Spanish side Real Sociedad, while Real Madrid pulled Dutch titan Ajax, PSG landed Bundesliga’s Eintracht Frankfurt, and two-time winner Wolfsburg got Serie A runner-up Inter.
The winners enter the 18-team League Phase alongside automatic qualifiers Barcelona, Lyon, Arsenal, and Manchester City, while the losing teams drop to the Europa Cup draw.
There’s financial incentive to advance in Champions League play. Each League Phase club earns a guaranteed €505,000, plus €60,000 for every win, €20,000 for each draw, and €10,000 to €180,000 based on final standings.
The Champions League third qualifying round kicks off August 26th (Paramount+).
