Nyon, on 4 September, is where Arsenal and Manchester City learn the shape of their European autumn. UEFA has confirmed both English clubs as direct entrants to the 2026/27 Women’s Champions League league phase, while the remaining nine places will be decided by the third qualifying round, which ends two days earlier.
The English pair sit in a wider direct-entry field that includes holders Barcelona, OL Lyonnes, Paris FC, Bayern München, Roma, Benfica and Häcken. That matters because this is an 18-team league phase, not a collection of familiar bilateral ties with an English gloss.
Under UEFA’s published format guide, the 18 contenders will be split into three seeding pots. Each team will face six different opponents, two from each pot, playing one match at home and one away from each pair. The league-phase announcement confirms Arsenal and City have places, but not opponents.
UEFA has set out six league-phase matchday windows:
| Matchday | Date |
|---|---|
| 1 | 22/23 September |
| 2 | 30 September/1 October |
| 3 | 28/29 October |
| 4 | 10/11 November |
| 5 | 18/19 November |
| 6 | 16 December |
The draw date is listed by UEFA as subject to change, but the calendar already makes its point. Qualifying ends on 2 September, the draw follows on 4 September, and the league phase runs from 22 September to 16 December. Arsenal and City are in the conversation now; Nyon decides the routes they take through it.
