The curtain came down on the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League with high drama in Budapest, before UEFA's attention immediately turned to a new season that kicks off within days.
PSG retain the title
At the Puskás Aréna in Budapest on 30 May 2026, Paris Saint-Germain beat Arsenal 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time. Kai Havertz opened the scoring early for Arsenal before Ousmane Dembélé equalised from the spot after a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia; Gabriel Magalhães missed Arsenal's fifth and decisive penalty. (Al Jazeera)
PSG became the first club to retain the European Cup since Real Madrid's 2016-18 three-peat, while coach Luis Enrique won his third European title, having previously lifted it with Barcelona in 2015 and with PSG the season before. (Olympics)
The new season is already here
European football barely paused for breath: the qualifying draws for the 2026-27 Champions League took place on 16-17 June 2026, with 29 clubs qualifying directly for the league phase and the final seven spots to be decided through qualifying rounds. The 72nd edition of the competition kicks off with early qualifying on 7 July 2026, with the final set for the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid on 5 June 2027. (Wikipedia)
No rest for Europe's elite
The relentless calendar arrives as the league-phase format enters its third season, guaranteeing every participating club eight different opponents instead of the old four-team groups. As clubs rebuild over the summer transfer window, fans are already eyeing potential ties against holders PSG, who enter the new campaign with unprecedented confidence after back-to-back titles.
What it means for Arab fans
The Champions League remains the most-watched weekly fixture for Arab audiences, who will be watching closely once the full league-phase draw is confirmed ahead of a season PSG hope to turn into a habit of titles.
Follow Malaab Al-An for the full 2026-27 Champions League draw and opening matchday schedule as soon as it's confirmed.