Despite their domestic domination of English football for over a decade, Chelsea have never managed to get their hands on the Champions League trophy. Emma Hayes' side were annihilated by Barcelona in the 2021 final in Göteborg, before the same opposition dumped them out in the semi-finals in three successive seasons soon after.
Last time round, Sonia Bompastor's team only made it as far as the quarter-finals, ousted by fierce London rivals Arsenal, determined to do much better this year.
Well, just to get into this year's league phase, the Blues had to overcome Real Sociedad in the third qualifying round. A 5-2 victory at Plough Lane was followed by Wednesday night's 1-0 win in San Sebastián. So now, who will Chelsea face next in Europe?
When is the Champions League league phase draw?
The Women's Champions League league phase draw takes place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon on Friday 4 September. It is scheduled to start at 11am (BST), which is 6am (ET).
How can I watch the Champions League draw?
The draw will be live streamed on UEFA.com
What pot are Chelsea in for the Champions League draw?
Chelsea currently sit third in the UEFA five-year club Coefficient Ranking, so are in pot 1 alongside the other heavyweights. However, unlike when the competition used to feature a group stage, there isn't really any tangible sporting advantage to being in a higher pot anymore, as we'll outline below.
Who can Chelsea face in the Champions League draw?
Pot 1
- Barcelona Femení
- OL Lyonnes
- Chelsea
- Bayern Munich
- Arsenal
- Paris Saint-Germain
Pot 2
- Real Madrid
- Juventus
- BK Häcken
- AS Roma
- Benfica
- Paris FC
Pot 3
- Manchester City
- Oud-Heverlee Leuven
- HB Køge
- Austrian Wien
- Internazionale Milano
- Servette Chênois
Who can Chelsea not face in the Champions League?
As always, clubs from the same country cannot face each-other in the league phase. Thus, Chelsea will not come up against Manchester City nor Arsenal, not until the knockouts at least.
How does the Champions League league phase draw work?
Chelsea will play six matches; three in West London and three on the continent. The Blues will come up against two teams from each pot, including their own, one at home and one away.
In Pot 1, considering they cannot face Arsenal, the Blues are guaranteed to meet two of Barça Femení, Lyon, Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain.
Looking at pot 2, Chelsea have met all six of these clubs in the past, including enjoying comfortable home wins over both Paris FC and Roma during last year's league phase.
Down in pot 3, Manchester City are certainly the team for everyone else to avoid, which Chelsea are already guaranteed to do, which is a bonus. The Blues have never previously come up against any of Oud-Heverlee Leuven, HB Køge, Austria Wien, Internazionale nor Servette Chênois, so a couple of firsts are guaranteed.
Bompastor's side finished third in last year's league phase, thereby going straight through to the quarter-finals, enjoying four victories and two draws, hoping for something similar this time round.
Where will Chelsea play their Champions League matches?
Chelsea will play their home league phase matches at Plough Lane, or the Cherry Red Records Stadium as it is officially known. Knockout stage fixtures will then be played at Stamford Bridge, as is the case for all their Women's Super League home games too, starting from this season.
Champions League 2026/27 league phase dates
- League phase draw: Friday 4 August - 11am (BST) start.
- Matchday 1: 22-23 September.
- Matchday 2: 30 September & 1 October.
- Matchday 3: 28 & 29 October.
- Matchday 4: 10 & 11 November.
- Matchday 5: 18 & 19 November.
- Matchday 6: Wednesday 16 December.
Add us as a preferred source on Google