UEFA has officially announced a major update to the UEFA Champions League calendar starting from the 2027/28 season. Beginning in September 2027, the reigning Champions League winners will kick off the new campaign in a standalone Tuesday fixture, marking the opening of the competition’s group stage week.
This move means the defending champions will enjoy an exclusive spotlight, as all other fixtures in the opening week will be scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. The special Tuesday match aims to celebrate the previous season’s triumph and set the tone for Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
According to UEFA, the initiative will include an opening ceremony ahead of the fixture, making it a high-profile event similar to major tournament openers like the FIFA World Cup. The governing body also revealed plans to stream the match globally on a dedicated platform, expanding accessibility and viewership across continents.
This innovation is part of UEFA’s continuous effort to modernize the Champions League format and enhance fan engagement. The exclusive fixture will provide clubs with a global stage to showcase their talent, while giving supporters a new reason to tune in to the competition’s kickoff week.
