Power Rankings: Where Do All 36 Teams Stand Heading Into the 2026–27 Champions League?

The 2026–27 Champions League league phase fixtures were revealed in Monaco on Thursday—UEFA's reliable supercomputer, with Thierry Henry and David Villa on hand to press an oversized button, stripping away the excitement from what was once a suspense-filled occasion.

Even so, the draw has set up some tantalizing matchups, with PSG, the French giants and reigning back-to-back champions, chasing a historic three-peat—a feat only Real Madrid, once again under the polarizing yet legendary José Mourinho, have accomplished (2016–2018) in the modern era.

Arsenal, last season's runners-up in the final and Premier League title holders for the first time since 2004, will fancy their chances come May, as will Barcelona, who have gone more than a decade without glory on the continental stage. Madrid can never be written off, either, as the record 15-time champions.

Four first-timers will make their Champions League proper debuts, while plenty of attention will fall on the likes of Bodø/Glimt (last season's standout underdogs) and Como, who have made remarkable progress under the guidance of Cesc Fàbregas.

To build the excitement even further, here's Sports Illustrated's ranking of all 36 teams.

36. Sabah FK

Sabah were established just nine years ago yet have already risen to the summit of the Azerbaijan Premier League. That's an impressive achievement for Valdas Dambrauskas's squad, who secured their first-ever league phase berth by eliminating Israel's Hapoel Be'ever Sheva 6–4 on aggregate.

Notable League Phase Opponent: Arsenal (A), Barcelona (H), Manchester United (A)

35. Viking FK

Dinamo Zagreb have been a familiar presence in the Champions League for many years, but they were undone by Norway's Viking FK. The Norwegian side will need to live up to their fierce name if they are to make any real impact in the group phase.

Notable League Phase Opponents: Bayern Munich (H), Atlético Madrid (A)