The Champions League 2026/27 kicks off in earnest when the league phase starts on September 8. Each team will play eight matches before the knockout rounds – and the final will take place at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid on June 5, 2027.
Last season, Paris Saint-Germain managed to defend their title after beating Inter 5–1 in the 2024/25 final. In last year’s final, they faced Arsenal – a far more even affair that ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, before PSG won on penalties.
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Luis Enrique’s men thus secured two straight Champions League trophies, after beating Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate in a dramatic semi-final. Harry Kane scored twice over the two games – but still had to watch his team go out.
Kane picks out favourites – As a former Tottenham player, it’s surprising he points to Arsenal
Having never won the Champions League – he lost the final in 2019 with Tottenham to Liverpool – Kane is desperate to go all the way this season. Nevertheless, he has pointed out five teams that all have a real chance of being crowned European champions.
According to Spanish Marca, Kane acknowledged that Bayern Munich will not have it easy in this year’s tournament – and that they cannot be considered clear favourites. Not surprisingly, he gave that status to PSG, but also named four other teams as contenders:
“I think PSG is the first favourite, since they have won two years in a row. Then there are of course others like Bayern, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona… All the big teams will be there,” Kane said.
It is worth noting that Kane only chose one English team. Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Aston Villa are all qualified for the Champions League – and hope to prove the Bayern striker wrong.
Tottenham supporters are unlikely to like it when the club icon chooses arch-enemy Arsenal from North London. However, after Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League last season, they will not play European football in 2026/27 anyway.
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Kane reflects on Bayern’s chances
In the same interview, Kane reflected on Bayern’s European chances after the semi-final last year:
“I think we had a very good campaign in Europe. We lost to a big team like PSG by a very small margin. Sometimes you just have to accept these things and move on. Ever since the first day I came here, I have known that both players and coaches have continued to work with the same mentality.
He added:
“Last season is over. Now it’s about moving on and fighting for this season. The Champions League is obviously one of our big goals. We’re ready to work hard and see where this journey takes us – knowing that every match in this tournament presents a unique and difficult challenge.
Bayern have not won the Champions League since 2020, when they beat PSG 1-0 in the final. It wouldn’t be surprising if any of Kane’s designated teams make it all the way this year.
