UWCL 2026-27 Season Kicks Off
The UEFA Women’s Champions League is back, and the road to the final in Warsaw, Poland, is officially underway. The 2026-27 season opens on Tuesday with the league phase commencing.
A total of 18 teams will take part in six matches, all vying for positions in the knockout rounds. Defending champions FC Barcelona are set to kick off their title defense, albeit without the influential Alexia Putellas. New entrants Inter Milan and Austria Wien will also make their debut, adding a blend of established contenders and ambitious newcomers.
Viewers can catch all the matches across CBS Sports platforms, including Paramount+, which will stream every one of the 183 games in this expanded format. CBS Sports Network will show a match each week, and select games will also air on CBS Sports Golazo Network.
This season continues with the single-league format that replaced the old group stage system, placing all teams in one table. Each club will play six matches against teams from three different seeding pots, with three games at home and threeaway. The UWCL draw has led to some exciting matchups, such as Arsenal facing off against Barcelona and OL Lyon in the later stages.
The top four teams after six matches will advance to the quarterfinals, while teams ranked fifth to twelfth will enter a playoff for the remaining quarterfinal spots.
Upcoming Matches
Schedule in U.S. Eastern Time Zone
Tuesday, Sept. 22
- UWCL: Bayern Munich vs. Man City, 12:45 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+, CBS Sports Network
- UWCL: Inter vs. Hacken, 12:45 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
- UWCL: Arsenal vs. HB Koge, 3 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+, CBS Sports Network
- UWCL: Juventus vs. Benfica, 3 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
- UWCL: Real Madrid vs. PSG, 3 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
Wednesday, Sept. 23
- UWCL: OH Leuven vs. Roma, 12:45 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
- UWCL: Servette vs. OL Lyon, 12:45 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+, CBS Sports Network
- UWCL: Barcelona vs. Paris FC, 3 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
- UWCL: Chelsea vs. Austria Wien, 3 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+, CBS Sports Network
Contenders and Offseason Changes
FC Barcelona, the reigning champions, are the favorites once again. They’ve made an impact with seven final appearances and four titles but will proceed without Putellas, who left for London City Lionesses. However, they still boast a strong squad led by Aitana Bonmatí, alongside a possession-based strategy that has defined their style.
OL Lyon, coming off a defeat in last season’s final, is eager to reclaim their title. They’ve strengthened their squad by acquiring former Barcelona forward Salma Paralluelo and Ballon d’Or nominee Melchie Dumornay.
England’s representation includes Chelsea, facing transitions after key departures. Arsenal, the previous European champions, face challenges after losing veterans Katie McCabe and Beth Mead but have bolstered their team with new signings like Georgia Stanway.
First-time participants in the league phase are Austria Wien and Inter Milan, marking an exciting chapter for both clubs.
Long Shots and Underdogs
HB Koge and Servette FC return as long shots, now alongside Roma, Benfica, and even Paris Saint-Germain, who are looking to bounce back from previous disappointments. PSG aims to improve following a poor showing last season, while Koge comes off a domestic double.
Bayern Munich remains a competitive force but will again be seen as underdogs in a tough bracket, while Real Madrid and Juventus will contend with significant roster changes following key departures.
What’s Next
The 2026-27 UWCL league phase begins on Tuesday, Sept. 22, wrapping up matchday one on Wednesday, Sept. 23, with matchday two set to start on Sept. 30.
Fan Take
The renewal of the UEFA Women’s Champions League brings heightened stakes and excitement, showcasing women’s soccer on a grand stage. For soccer fans, this represents an opportunity to witness the growth of the sport as new teams and talents step into the spotlight, enriching the competition’s narrative.
Source: www.cbssports.com
