Chelsea will Feature in 2026-27 UEFA Champions League

Stamford Bridge will host UEFA Champions League matches this season after Chelsea confirmed Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk will use the stadium as their temporary home ground for the 2026/27 league phase.

Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and missed out on European qualification for the first time in nearly a decade.

Despite the Blues’ absence from the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, their west London stadium will still feature in Europe’s premier club competition.

Shakhtar Donetsk, who qualified for the Champions League league phase, will stage their home fixtures at Stamford Bridge subject to final regulatory approvals.

The arrangement stems from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Shakhtar have been unable to play at their traditional home in Donetsk since 2014 and have used various European venues for continental matches in recent years.

Chelsea issued a statement welcoming the visitors, saying the club looks forward to hosting Shakhtar’s Champions League campaign and will work closely with the Ukrainian side to ensure smooth and safe matchdays for players and supporters.

The 2026/27 Champions League features a 36-team league phase in which each club plays eight matches — four home and four away — between September and January.

Shakhtar’s decision to base their home games in London gives the competition a high-profile temporary venue in one of Europe’s major football cities and provides Chelsea supporters with the chance to experience Champions League nights at the Bridge even though their own team is not involved.

Club officials emphasized the practical benefits of the partnership.

Stamford Bridge offers modern facilities, strong transport links and proven experience of hosting elite European fixtures. For Shakhtar, the move continues a pattern of playing “home” European ties abroad while maintaining competitive continuity in the Champions League.

Ticket and operational details are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks. Chelsea stressed that matchday arrangements will prioritise safety and a positive experience for both sets of fans.

The first Shakhtar home fixtures at Stamford Bridge form part of the league-phase schedule that began this week across Europe.

The development highlights how the expanded Champions League format and geopolitical realities continue to shape venue decisions.

While Chelsea focus on rebuilding domestically after missing out on European football, Stamford Bridge remains part of the continental calendar thanks to Shakhtar Donetsk’s temporary residency.