Arsenal’s women’s squad has been drawn against the reigning European champions Barcelona as part of the group phase of the 2026/27 UEFA Women’s Champions League. This matchup pits the Gunners, who reached the semi‑finals in the previous campaign, against a side that has dominated the competition in recent years, promising a compelling series of fixtures for both clubs and their supporters.
In addition to the high‑profile clash with Barcelona, Arsenal will contest five other group matches across a six‑match schedule that runs from late September through mid‑December. Their itinerary includes a home game against Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, an away encounter with Benfica, a return leg at Paris FC, a home fixture versus HB Køge, and a final away test against Inter Milan. These six encounters are spread over six matchdays, with the first taking place on September 22 and the final one slated for December 16.
The format ensures each team faces the others once at home and once away, creating a balanced yet challenging pathway to the knockout stages. Chelsea, another English heavyweight, has been paired with a formidable set of opponents as well. Their group features Paris Saint‑Germain, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, Roma, BK Häcken, Austria Wien, and OH Leuven. The Blues will host PSG in their opening match, travel to Lyon for the second, enjoy a home game against Roma, then head to Sweden to face BK Häcken.
Their fifth fixture sees them back on home soil against Austria Wien, before concluding the group phase with an away tie at OH Leuven. Manchester City, the current champions of the Women’s Super League, are making a return to the Champions League after missing out on the 2024/25 edition. Their group is equally demanding, featuring Paris Saint‑Germain, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, BK Häcken, Austria Wien, and Inter Milan. City will open their campaign at home against PSG, travel to Munich for a high‑stakes clash with the German giants, then host Real Madrid.
The second half of the group sees them away at BK Häcken, back home versus Austria Wien, and finally an away match against Inter Milan. The group allocations can be summarised as follows: - Arsenal: OL Lyonnes (home), Barcelona (away), Benfica (home), Paris FC (away), HB Køge (home), Inter Milan (away) - Chelsea: Paris Saint‑Germain (home), OL Lyonnes (away), Roma (home), BK Häcken (away), Austria Wien (home), OH Leuven (away) - Manchester City: Paris Saint‑Germain (home), Bayern Munich (away), Real Madrid (home), BK Häcken (away), Austria Wien (home), Inter Milan (away) These fixtures set the stage for an intense early season, with each English side facing a blend of domestic rivals and some of Europe’s most celebrated clubs. The group stage not only determines which teams advance to the knockout rounds but also offers a valuable platform for players to test themselves against elite competition, sharpen tactical approaches, and gain exposure on a continental stage. Beyond the on‑field action, the tournament continues to generate excitement off the pitch.
The “Super 6” promotional competition, which has already awarded a substantial prize to one lucky participant this season, invites fans to engage with the Champions League experience in a novel way. By entering the next round of the giveaway, supporters have a chance to win additional rewards at no cost, adding an extra layer of interaction to the already thrilling football calendar. Overall, the 2026/27 Women’s Champions League promises to deliver high‑quality football, dramatic storylines, and a showcase of the growing depth and talent within the women’s game.
Arsenal’s encounter with Barcelona will be a highlight, offering a test of skill, strategy, and resilience for both sides as they aim to secure a place in the knockout phase and ultimately contend for the coveted European crown.