Arsenal has been drawn into a challenging group for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League, set to face Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Napoli during the league stage of the competition. The draw took place in Monaco, placing the Premier League champions alongside some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs.
The London-based side, managed by Mikel Arteta, aims to improve on last season’s runner-up finish after losing to Paris Saint-Germain in the final. A notable storyline of the group includes Arsenal hosting Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, where the Spanish giants are led by José Mourinho. The matchup carries added significance as Mourinho will also face his former club Chelsea when Real Madrid play Shakhtar Donetsk at Stamford Bridge this season. Additionally, Arsenal will confront Bayern Munich, featuring English forward Harry Kane, in an away fixture, along with hosting Borussia Dortmund and traveling to face Napoli.
Arsenal’s former defender Héctor Bellerín will return to English soil with Real Betis, adding to the list of high-profile players appearing against their former clubs during the tournament.
Other Premier League clubs have also found themselves in notable groups. Manchester City will face Spanish champions Barcelona, with the added subplot of meeting former player Rodri. City will also host Napoli, featuring midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, and will have away matches against Porto and the reigning champions PSG. The group is widely regarded as demanding for City, who look to defend their domestic title as well as their status in Europe.
Manchester United returns to the Champions League for the first time since 2023 and will compete against Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, along with two team rookies to the tournament stage: Viking from Norway and Como from Italy, where former star Cesc Fàbregas now plays.
Aston Villa, as Europa League winners, is scheduled to take on PSG once again at Villa Park, recalling last season’s quarter-final matchup. Liverpool will face Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid in its continuing quest for European success.
The group stage fixtures promise intense competition across Europe’s top clubs, featuring a mix of familiar rivalries and new matchups that highlight player movements and managerial storylines. The upcoming campaign is expected to provide a rigorous test for English clubs and their European counterparts as they vie for the Champions League trophy.