Champions League 2026-27 Predictions: Who Will Claim the Trophy?

The Champions League returns with excitement as teams battle for the prestigious trophy set to be awarded in Madrid on 5 June next year. Paris St-Germain aim to secure a third consecutive title as the league phase kicks off this Tuesday.

Five English clubs are aiming to halt PSG's dominance, with Arsenal leading the charge after finishing runners-up last season. We gathered insights from football experts Julien Laurens and Guillem Balague and examined statistical predictions. You can also cast your vote on who you think will be crowned champions below.

BBC will provide Champions League highlights throughout the season. On match weeks, expect highlights at 22:00 BST every Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, plus key moments on the Shorts tab of the BBC Sport app. A special Champions League Match of the Day airs on BBC One at 22:40. This week, there’s an additional highlights show Thursday at 22:30 on BBC Two, with Thursday match highlights available from 22:00.

Top Contenders for the Title

Julien Laurens suggests that winning three titles in a row would be remarkable, but doubts PSG can pull it off without a player like Cristiano Ronaldo. He expects PSG to reach at least the semi-finals but thinks the triple is unlikely.

Laurens favors Bayern Munich and Arsenal to reach the final, naming Arsenal as his pick to win. He praises Arsenal’s defense as the best in Europe, which he believes is key to clinching the trophy. PSG, he predicts, will make the last four, Bayern will be close runners-up, and Arsenal will take the title.

Guillem Balague notes PSG’s inconsistent start to the season, mentioning Luis Enrique’s demanding style focused on dynamic football and relentless pressure. He sees the group stage as a testing period before serious competition heats up in January.

Balague expects PSG to come close again, while highlighting Barcelona as flying high despite needing reinforcements in defense and attack. He admires Arsenal for their newfound consistency and believes they, alongside PSG and Barcelona, should reach the semi-finals unless drawn against each other earlier. The fourth semifinal spot, depending on the draw, could go to Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, or Manchester City.

Players to Watch This Season

Julien Laurens identifies five key players. First is Jude Bellingham, expected to have a breakthrough season as Real Madrid’s number 10 under Mourinho. After a strong World Cup, Laurens anticipates many goals and decisive performances from him.

Next is Nico Paz of Como, a young talent central to the team’s style under manager Cesc Fabregas, making their Champions League debut. Paz is seen as a rising star destined for greatness.

Laurens calls Khvicha Kvaratskhelia “Mr Champions League,” praising his technical skill and goal-scoring ability at PSG. He’s tipped as a potential Ballon d’Or winner, thrilling fans with his flair.

For Lens, newcomer Ismaelo Ganiou stands out. The 21-year-old centre-back combines speed, strength, and ball skills and might attract Premier League interest soon.

Finally, Donyell Malen has impressed at Roma with nearly a goal per game, making Roma’s Champions League return exciting to watch.

Guillem Balague highlights Harry Kane of Bayern Munich, who is chasing the Ballon d’Or, thriving in a system that suits his style.

He points to youngster Lamine Yamal eager to prove himself in a high-pressing team led by Hansi Flick.

Kvaratskhelia features again as a standout player who could carry PSG through critical matches and become a Ballon d’Or winner soon.

Balague also mentions 20-year-old Brazilian Kaua Elias from Shakhtar as a prospect following the club’s tradition of developing stars for big transfers.

Lastly, Martin Odegaard has bounced back strongly after an injury-hit season. The Norwegian midfielder’s leadership will be vital for his team’s ambitions.

Statistical Insights

• Arsenal: 20.4% chance to win, ranked overall favourites
• Bayern Munich: 20% chance, narrowly behind Arsenal
• Manchester City: 12.7% chance, third favourite
• Paris St-Germain: 7.3% chance, fourth overall

All five Premier League clubs rank in the top 10 for winning probability and have over 50% chances of reaching the last 16.

According to Opta’s power rankings, Liverpool holds the easiest group stage draw, while Stuttgart enjoys the simplest overall path. Among top seeds, Inter Milan has the most favourable group.

Arsenal faces a relatively balanced draw, having drawn top seeds Real Madrid and Bayern Munich along with lower-ranked teams Sabah and Slovan Bratislava.

Manchester City confront one of the toughest draws among English clubs, matched against Barcelona and PSG from pot one, plus Napoli, ranked 24th, from pot three.

Last season, Arsenal topped the group stage with one of the easiest schedules, while Bayern finished second despite having the hardest fixture list among all 36 teams.

How Will the Debutants Fare?

Guillem Balague admires Como’s progress under Cesc Fabregas, who chose to stay despite offers. Balague expects them to reach the knockout rounds, appreciating their modern approach.

Austrian side LASK showed competitiveness by eliminating Celtic. They might achieve a home win and some points but likely won’t advance further.

Sabah from Azerbaijan rely heavily on organisation but face tough opposition including Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund. They may cause surprises but probably won't qualify.

Viking face a challenging group with Bayern, Atletico Madrid, Napoli, and Aston Villa. Norwegian football’s smart coaching and competitive spirit could help them reach the knockouts.