Chelsea face French opposition in Champions League

Chelsea will play Paris Saint-Germain, Lyon, Roma, Hacken, Austria Vienna and OH Leuven in the 2026/27 Women's Champions League league phase. Katie McCabe’s side, who secured qualification with a 6-2 aggregate win over Real Sociedad, learned their fate in Friday’s draw in Nyon. The Blues will play three matches at Plough Lane and three away from home as they bid to reach the knockout stages. Arsenal have been handed a difficult draw as they face both of last year's finalists: Barcelona, who they beat in the 2024-25 final, and OL Lyonnes. Benfica, Inter Milan and Danish side HB Koga - who have Republic of Ireland international Kyra Carusa in their ranks - were also drawn to face Renée Slegers' side. Manchester City meanwhile will take on Paris St-Germain, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Hacken, Austria Wien and Italian side Inter Milan. The first matchday of the league phase will be played on 22 and 23 September with the sixth and final games to take place on 16 December. The final in Warsaw is scheduled for the final week of May.