Arsenal will open the 2026/27 Champions League group stage against Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, with a rematch at home and a repeat of last season’s final.
The Daily Mirror Football reports that the club has been drawn into Pot 1 and will face a series of tough opponents across the group.
On Thursday, the draw will take place at 6pm CET, with match dates and kick-off times confirmed by Saturday at the latest. The first league phase matches are scheduled for 8 September.
What does the draw mean for Arsenal’s campaign?
Arsenal’s placement in Pot 1 means the club will face the strongest teams in the group. The simulation places Atletico Madrid at home and Paris Saint-Germain away, echoing the 2025/26 final that saw the two sides clash in a dramatic encounter. A rematch at Emirates Stadium in gameweek 2 is built into the schedule, giving the Gunners a chance to avenge the previous season’s 4-0 loss.
The draw also slots Arsenal into Pot 2, where they will play Real Betis at home and Porto away. Pot 3 will see them travel to Napoli and host Shakhtar, who will play their home games at Stamford Bridge this term, shortening the journey. Finally, Pot 4 will pit Arsenal against Como, a club making its Champions League debut, and either AEK Athens or Levski Sofia in the away leg.
Who are Arsenal’s group opponents and what are the fixtures?
The group will feature a mix of European powerhouses and emerging clubs. Arsenal will host Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, while away fixtures will take place at Paris Saint-Germain, Porto, Napoli, Shakhtar, and the winner of the AEK Athens vs Levski Sofia play-off. The Gunners will also face Como at home.
The simulation also schedules a trip to Parc des Princes to face Paris Saint-Germain, a repeat of the 2025/26 final, and a home game against Atletico Madrid in the second gameweek.
How does this fit with Arsenal’s current form?
Arsenal are currently 2nd in the Premier League, holding 3 points from a single win and no defeats. They have scored 3 goals and conceded none, giving a +3 goal difference. Their next fixture is an away match against Aston Villa on 31 August, a game that will see them travel to a 20th-place side.
These statistics show a team that has started the season strongly, and the Champions League draw offers a chance to build on that momentum against high-profile opposition.
What’s next for Arsenal after the draw?
With the draw confirmed, Arsenal can now focus on preparing for the first group match on 8 September. The club’s management will likely review squad depth and fitness ahead of the demanding schedule. For fans wanting to track the Gunners’ progress, the fixtures page lists all upcoming matches, while the standings page shows the current league position.
The draw sets the stage for a challenging European campaign, and Arsenal’s performance in the first few games will be crucial to their overall success in the 2026/27 season.
