By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Champions League 2026/27 predicted lineups: Projected starting XIs for Matchday 1

Here are our predicted starting XIs for all 36 teams ahead of Matchday 1 of the 2026/27 Champions League.
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Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Four German clubs – Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig – feature as the 2026/27 Champions League kicks off this week.

Below you’ll find predicted lineups for all 18 opening fixtures, covering all 36 teams.

Champions League 2026/27 – Matchday 1 Predicted Lineups

Tuesday, 8th September

AEK Athens vs. LASK predicted lineups

Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa predicted lineups

Borussia Dortmund vs. Villarreal predicted lineups

Lille vs. Betis predicted lineups

FC Porto vs. Manchester City predicted lineups

Real Madrid vs. Inter predicted lineups

Wednesday, 9th September

Barcelona vs. Feyenoord predicted lineups

Stuttgart vs. Viking predicted lineups

Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid predicted lineups

Napoli vs. Arsenal predicted lineups

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Slovan Bratislava predicted lineups

Sporting CP vs. Galatasaray predicted lineups

Thursday, 10th September

Fenerbahce vs. Roma predicted lineups

PSV vs. Shakhtar Donetsk predicted lineups

Como vs. RB Leipzig predicted lineups

Bayern Munich vs. Bodø/Glimt predicted lineups

Manchester United vs. Sabah predicted lineups

Slavia Prague vs. Lens predicted lineups

Bundesliga news

Borussia DortmundDuo sit out training ahead of Dortmund's Champions League opener against Villarreal
FC BayernBayern's plan for Musiala revealed after Schalke comeback
Preview RB LeipzigComo vs. RB Leipzig preview: Team news & predicted lineups
German national teamFreiburg prodigy opts to switch allegiance from Tunisia to Germany
Preview Borussia DortmundBorussia Dortmund vs. Villarreal preview: Team news & predicted lineups
Preview VfB StuttgartVfB Stuttgart vs. Viking FK preview: Team news & predicted lineups
Preview FC BayernBayern Munich vs Bodø/Glimt preview: Team news & predicted lineups
Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League 2026/27 predicted lineups: Projected starting XIs for Matchday 1
Borussia DortmundWatch: Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri reflects on Dortmund debut
Team of the week BundesligaBundesliga Team of the Week – Matchday 2
Post-match reaction FC AugsburgBaum and Ibrahimović praise Augsburg's comeback victory in Frankfurt
Post-match reaction Eintracht FrankfurtHütter reflects on Frankfurt's “terrible second half” in heavy defeat to Augsburg
FC Bayern Bayern chief refuses to rule out Olise exit in 2027
Post-match reaction Hamburger SVPolzin throws no digs after "totally shitty afternoon" against Mainz
Match report Augsburg, Eintracht FrankfurtAugsburg top Bundesliga table for first time after ruining Hütter's second home debut
Post-match reaction Hamburger SVMøller Wolfe vows HSV will "show a different side" after Mainz hammering
Match report Hamburger SV & Mainz 05Becker brilliance guides Mainz to five-star thrashing of Hamburger SV
FRANKFURT & AUGSBURGConfirmed lineups: Eintracht Frankfurt vs. FC Augsburg
2. Bundesliga 2. Bundesliga 2. Bundesliga: Hertha hold on to beat Magdeburg and maintain perfect start

Table

Kickfieber

Match days

Team of the week BundesligaBundesliga Team of the Week – Matchday 2
Post-match reaction FC AugsburgBaum and Ibrahimović praise Augsburg's comeback victory in Frankfurt
Post-match reaction Eintracht FrankfurtHütter reflects on Frankfurt's “terrible second half” in heavy defeat to Augsburg
Post-match reaction Hamburger SVPolzin throws no digs after "totally shitty afternoon" against Mainz
Match report Augsburg, Eintracht FrankfurtAugsburg top Bundesliga table for first time after ruining Hütter's second home debut
Post-match reaction Hamburger SVMøller Wolfe vows HSV will "show a different side" after Mainz hammering
Match report Hamburger SV & Mainz 05Becker brilliance guides Mainz to five-star thrashing of Hamburger SV
FRANKFURT & AUGSBURGConfirmed lineups: Eintracht Frankfurt vs. FC Augsburg
Hamburger SV & Mainz 05Confirmed lineups: Hamburger SV vs. Mainz 05
Match report Bayer Leverkusen"You're actually scared of him” – New Leverkusen signing makes instant impact
Post-match reaction RB Leipzig "A real wake-up call" – RB Leipzig boss responds after shock defeat to Werder Bremen
Post-match reaction FC Bayern "They should be proud" – Bayern chief hits out at Schalke fans over Neuer abuse
Post-match reaction Borussia Dortmund “An incredible talent” – Arsenal loanee Nwaneri receives glowing praise after Dortmund debut
Post-match reaction FC BayernKompany explains decision to bench Kane and Olise against Schalke
Post-match reaction Schalke 04, FC BayernMuslić believes Schalke deserved their point against “best in the world” Bayern
Post-match reaction FC BayernKompany congratulates Schalke as he focuses on positives
Post-match reaction FC BayernNeuer praises opposite number Karius as Bayern lose top spot after 67 matchdays
Match report Schalke, FC BayernSchalke end 12-game losing streak against FC Bayern with valiant performance
Post-match reaction SC Freiburg & SC PaderbornKettemann feels his side deserved more as Paderborn earn Schuster's praise
Post-match reaction TSG HoffenheimIlzer on Dortmund defeat: “We didn't make enough of our scoring chances"
Post-match reaction Borussia DortmundDortmund's Kovač admits "it was a lucky win" over Hoffenheim
Match report Werder Bremen run riot in 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig
Match report Gladbach, ElversbergElversberg's dream start continues with comeback victory in Gladbach
Schalke, FC BayernConfirmed Lineups: FC Schalke 04 vs. FC Bayern Munich
Match report Borussia Dortmund & TSG HoffenheimDortmund produce remarkable second-half comeback to sink Hoffenheim

Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 2
Fantasy Football FantasyBundesliga Fantasy Show – Matchday 2: Must-haves, differentials & listener questions
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 2
Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League 2026/27 predicted lineups: Projected starting XIs for Matchday 1
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Matchday 2 starting XIs
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 1
Fantasy Football FantasyBundesliga Fantasy Show – Matchday 1: Rule changes, must-haves, differentials & listener questions
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: The ultimate guide to the start of the 2026/27 season
Fantasy Football BundesligaBundesliga predicted lineups 2026/27: Matchday 1 starting XIs
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: Strikers to consider for the start of the 2026/27 season
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: Midfielders to consider for the start of the 2026/27 season
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: Defenders to consider for the start of the 2026/27 season
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: Goalkeepers to consider for the start of the 2026/27 season
Fantasy Football FantasyBundesliga 2026/27 set-piece and penalty takers
Fantasy Football FantasyBest budget picks for your 2026/27 Fantasy Bundesliga squad
Fantasy Football Fantasy BundesligaWhy Fantasy Bundesliga managers should start opening the app daily from today
Fantasy Football Fantasy BundesligaFantasy Bundesliga returns for 2026-27: Here's what's new!
Fantasy Football World Cup2026 World Cup predicted lineups: Final and third-place match XIs
Fantasy Football World Cup2026 World Cup: Predicted semi-final lineups
Fantasy Football World Cup2026 World Cup: Predicted quarter-final lineups
Fantasy Football World CupWorld Cup: Predicted lineups for the Round of 16
Fantasy Football World CupWorld Cup: Predicted lineups for the Round of 32
Fantasy Football World CupWorld Cup 2026: Predicted lineups for all 48 teams on Matchday 3
Fantasy Football World CupPredicted lineups for all 48 teams at the World Cup – Matchday 2
Fantasy Football German national teamWho takes penalties for Germany? Havertz gives update

German Teams in Europe

Borussia DortmundDuo sit out training ahead of Dortmund's Champions League opener against Villarreal
Preview RB LeipzigComo vs. RB Leipzig preview: Team news & predicted lineups
Preview Borussia DortmundBorussia Dortmund vs. Villarreal preview: Team news & predicted lineups
Preview VfB StuttgartVfB Stuttgart vs. Viking FK preview: Team news & predicted lineups
Preview FC BayernBayern Munich vs Bodø/Glimt preview: Team news & predicted lineups
Bayern MunichDreesen on Musiala's comeback and Bayern's need for competition
TSG HoffenheimAsllani included in TSG Hoffenheim's Europa League squad
Borussia DortmundBorussia Dortmund leave captain out of Champions League squad
Match report Women's Champions LeagueUEFA Women’s Champions League: Wolfsburg & Frankfurt exit as Bayern remain sole Frauen-Bundesliga representatives
FC Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, StuttgartChampions League: Thursday night action for Bayern, Familiar opponents for Dortmund, Leipzig and Stuttgart face debutants on MD1
SC FreiburgConference League draw: SC Freiburg discover league phase opponents
Hoffenheim, Bayer LeverkusenEuropa League draw: Hoffenheim and Leverkusen discover league phase opponents
Match report SC FreiburgFreiburg defeat Motherwell 7-2 on aggregate to book Conference League spot
Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, VfB StuttgartChampions League draw: Bayern, Dortmund, Leipzig and Stuttgart discover league phase opponents
SC FreiburgConfirmed Lineups: SC Freiburg vs. Motherwell FC
Preview SC FreiburgSC Freiburg vs. Motherwell FC Conference League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Match report SC FreiburgConference League: Ginter shines in Freiburg’s comeback victory over Motherwell
SC FreiburgConfirmed Lineups: Motherwell FC vs. SC Freiburg
Preview SC FreiburgMotherwell FC vs. SC Freiburg Conference League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
SC FreiburgFreiburg to meet Motherwell in UEFA Conference League play-offs
Bayern MunichBayern chief feels Arsenal missed "huge opportunity" against "deserving" PSG
FC BayernBayern duo named in the Champions League Team of the Season
Bayern Munich & German National Team“I'm crossing the fingers for Kai" – Kimmich wishes Havertz well for UCL finale
Germany“It hurts” – Nagelsmann on tough call to leave Stuttgart duo out of World Cup squad
Post-match reaction SC FreiburgIgor Matanović thanks Freiburg fans for support: "We really wanted to give them something back"

DFB-Pokal

DFB-Pokal DFB-Pokal second round draw: Holders Bayern host Magdeburg, Dortmund clash with Bremen
Post-match reaction FC Bayern Kompany praises “calm” Bayern performance
Post-match reaction FC Bayern Bischof and Kane react to Pokal victory in Osnabrück
Match report FC Bayern DFB-Pokal: Bayern overcome early Osnabrück scare to reach second round
DFB-Pokal Confirmed DFB-Pokal lineups: VfL Osnabrück vs. FC Bayern
Rumor FC BayernBayern make decision on Musiala's availability for DFB-Pokal trip to Osnabrück
Preview Osnabrück & FC BayernVfL Osnabrück vs. Bayern Munich DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
FC BayernUrbig to replace Neuer in goal against Osnabrück, Kompany confirms
FC BayernKompany gives Musiala update ahead of DFB-Pokal trip to Osnabrück
FC BayernReport gives fresh update on Jamal Musiala ahead of DFB-Pokal trip to Osnabrück
Match report DFB-PokalSchalke dominate but need extra time and superstar Džeko to overcome Halle
Match report DFB-PokalHSV's 16-year-old sensation steals the show in DFB-Pokal victory against Verl
Preview DFB-PokalConfirmed DFB-Pokal lineups: Hallescher FC vs. FC Schalke 04
Match report DFB-PokalKöln survive Würzburg scare as Jóhannesson seals comeback win
Preview DFB-PokalConfirmed DFB-Pokal Lineups: Altglienicke vs. VfL Wolfsburg
Preview HSV, DFB-PokalConfirmed DFB-Pokal Lineups: SC Verl vs. Hamburger SV
Preview Köln, DFB-PokalConfirmed DFB-Pokal Lineups: Würzburger Kickers vs. 1. FC Köln
Match report DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal: Bundesliga’s perfect record continues, Heidenheim and St. Pauli are out
Match report RB LeipzigDFB-Pokal: RB Leipzig advance after comfortable victory at Moselstadion
Match report DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal: Hertha and Nürnberg maintain perfect starts with penalty shootout wins
Match report DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal: Wimmer and Onyeka score debut braces as Hoffenheim and Elversberg advance
Match report DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal: Hannover seal record victory with 9-1 rout of Hemelingen at Weserstadion
Match report Werder BremenDFB-Pokal: Füllkrug and Reis score debut goals for Bremen in Hamburg
Preview DFB-PokalConfirmed Lineups: SG Sonnenhof Großaspach vs. Arminia Bielefeld
Preview DFB-PokalConfirmed Lineups: 1860 Munich vs. Holstein Kiel

German National Team

German national teamFreiburg prodigy opts to switch allegiance from Tunisia to Germany
Germany National Team Klopp reportedly considering Frankfurt starlet Ebnoutalib for Germany
German national teamRüdiger confirms international retirement
German national teamRüdiger reportedly set to retire from German national team to focus on Real Madrid
DFBReport: Jürgen Klopp plans Germany call-up for Said El Mala
German national teamUli Hoeneß warns against "messiah" expectations for new Germany coach Klopp
Rumor German National Team & VfB StuttgartKlopp informs Stuttgart of plan to integrate Pejčinović into Germany national team
German National Team"He was sorry" – Baumann's phone call with Nagelsmann over World Cup goalkeeper snub
German national teamWirtz on new Germany coach Klopp: "I'm very excited to meet him"
DFBDFB president Neuendorf blasts Infantino after FIFA investment U-turn
DFBJürgen Klopp yet to decide on Joshua Kimmich's Germany role
DFBKlopp appointment sparks Antonio Rüdiger U-turn on Germany future
DFBRudi Völler predicts bright future for Julian Nagelsmann
German National TeamGalatasaray coach labels it "fashionable" to blame Sané for Germany's demise
Rumor German National Team“I have ideas" – Klopp to ditch Kimmich at right-back and uncover replacement
German National TeamKlopp on the "unimaginable" scenario of being appointed Germany coach
Transfer German National TeamOfficial: Jürgen Klopp announced as Germany national team head coach
German National Team"We don't need to copy Spain" – Lahm on how Germany can rediscover success
German National TeamGermany drop two places to twelfth in latest FIFA world rankings
DFB Deal agreed between DFB and Red Bull for Klopp to become Germany head coach
German National TeamMatthäus, Basler & Hamann demand "real clean-up" of Germany squad
Rumor German National Team"Strung along & false promises" – DFB employee critical of Nagelsmann's dealings with squad
Rumor German National TeamDFB rejects letter enabling Infantino to run for third term as FIFA president
Rumor Borussia MönchengladbachGladbach talent Wael Moyha to represent Morocco over Germany
Rumor German National TeamDFB chiefs hold first negotiations with Jürgen Klopp in New York

Long reads

Editor's pick SV Elversberg"We don't fear anybody" – How underdogs Elversberg plan to survive the Bundesliga on their own terms
Analysis/Commentary BundesligaBundesliga 2026/27 guide: In-depth team previews ahead of the new season
Analysis/Commentary Borussia MönchengladbachWhat Leeds United fans can expect from Nico Elvedi after Gladbach move
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: “I know I will get my game time” – Ørjan Nyland confident he will get his chances after Leipzig return
Editor's pick Borussia Dortmund & 1.FC KölnOpinion: How the pursuit of Said El Mala could alter Borussia Dortmund's future
Analysis/Commentary Frauen-BundesligaBreaking away: Why the Frauen-Bundesliga is taking control of its own future
Analysis/Commentary FC BayernHow Bayern Munich could line up for the 2026/27 season
Analysis/Commentary BundesligaTop 10 Bundesliga transfers of the summer so far
Editor's pick SC FreiburgWhat Newcastle fans can expect from Johan Manzambi as transfer from Freiburg nears completion
Editor's pick FC AugsburgEXCLUSIVE: "Character is more important for us than talent" – Benjamin Weber explains Augsburg's scouting philosophy
Editor's pick TSG HoffenheimWhat Newcastle fans can expect from Bazoumana Touré as €50m move from Hoffenheim nears completion
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs Paraguay: Several disappointing displays in heartbreaking exit
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs Ecuador: Lacklustre display as winning run ends
Analysis/Commentary World CupWho replaces Nico Schlotterbeck? Germany’s three options after World Cup blow
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs Côte d’Ivoire: Undav stars with brace off the bench
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs Curaçao: Who shone in the 7-1 World Cup thrashing?
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs USA: Havertz decisive in scrappy win
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs Finland: Undav and Karl shine ahead of World Cup
Analysis/Commentary VfL WolfsburgWolfsburg face major overhaul after first-ever Bundesliga relegation
Analysis/Commentary Bundesliga2025/26 Bundesliga Team of the Season
Analysis/Commentary SC FreiburgSC Freiburg vs Aston Villa: Europa League final player ratings
Analysis/Commentary German national teamNagelsmann’s Germany goalkeeper U-turn sparks controversy
Analysis/Commentary Bayern & WolfsburgBayern's Pokal triumph over Wolfsburg confirms changing of the guard in German women's football
Editor's pick FC Schalke 04"I’m thinking about my future every day" – 40-year-old Edin Džeko weighs up next move after Schalke fairy tale
Editor's pick Werder BremenWhy a move to a top club may come too early for Werder Bremen's Karim Coulibaly amid links to Chelsea, Newcastle and PSG

Exclusive interviews

Exclusive interview FC BayernEXCLUSIVE: Bayern legend Roy Makaay backs Kane as Ballon d'Or contender
Editor's pick SV Elversberg"We don't fear anybody" – How underdogs Elversberg plan to survive the Bundesliga on their own terms
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: “I know I will get my game time” – Ørjan Nyland confident he will get his chances after Leipzig return
Editor's pick FC AugsburgEXCLUSIVE: "Character is more important for us than talent" – Benjamin Weber explains Augsburg's scouting philosophy
Exclusive interview FC AugsburgEXCLUSIVE: Augsburg boss Benjamin Weber confirms “big market” interest in Kömür and Claude-Maurice amid exit talk
Exclusive interview World CupEXCLUSIVE: "He's the perfect coach for England" – Augsburg chief Benjamin Weber backs former boss Tuchel for World Cup glory
Editor's pick FC Schalke 04"I’m thinking about my future every day" – 40-year-old Edin Džeko weighs up next move after Schalke fairy tale
Exclusive interview VfL Wolfsburg“A very difficult and sad situation” – Edin Džeko on his ex-club VfL Wolfsburg’s relegation threat
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigYan Diomande names Real Madrid stars among inspirations as he sets sights on becoming one of the world's best
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande “happy and motivated” by interest from Europe’s elite
Editor's pick Borussia Mönchengladbach"I obviously came here to play more" – Giovanni Reyna reflects on Gladbach struggles and burning World Cup ambition
Exclusive interview Borussia MönchengladbachINTERVIEW: "I'd love to experience something different at some point" – Joe Scally opens door to Gladbach exit
Exclusive interview FC BayernLahm highlights defensive “danger” for Bayern ahead of PSG showdown
Editor's pick BundesligaPhilipp Lahm "curious" about new German U21 league – but insists senior-level minutes remain key for young players
Editor's pick RB Leipzig“We have to get even better” – CEO Tatjana Haenni on RB Leipzig’s goal to be "best in class" for talent
Editor's pick RB Leipzig"That's our goal" – RB Leipzig must be ready to pounce on Bundesliga title if Bayern falter, says CEO Tatjana Haenni
Exclusive interview FC Bayern & GermanyPhilipp Lahm: Gnabry injury a "bitter" blow for Bayern and Germany
Exclusive interview FC Bayern“Not a topic for me” – Philipp Lahm not considering Bayern management role
Exclusive interview FC BayernINTERVIEW: “The decisive phase is coming now” – Philipp Lahm on Bayern’s bid for a historic treble after Bundesliga title win
Editor's pick Borussia Dortmund​EXCLUSIVE: "We weren’t doing a good enough job" – Dortmund boss reveals how Club World Cup eye-opener forced a strategy shift
Editor's pick FC IngolstadtINTERVIEW: "I was afraid of closing the door" – Pioneering Ingolstadt coach Sabrina Wittmann on opening a new path for women in football
Editor's pick BundesligaINTERVIEW: "I was always a friend of opening up that rule..." – Jürgen Klinsmann weighs in on 50+1 debate
Exclusive interview FC BayernINTERVIEW: Jürgen Klinsmann hails Harry Kane as "fantastic" and "the best ambassador you could wish for"
Editor's pick Fortuna DüsseldorfEXCLUSIVE: Fortuna Düsseldorf CEO Alexander Jobst speaks out on speculation over his future amid sporting struggles
Editor's pick FC AugsburgINTERVIEW: "At the moment, there's no thought of switching" – Noahkai Banks on choosing between the US and Germany

Team News

Champions League - Dortmund - VillarrealChampions League - Stuttgart - VikingChampions League - Como - RB LeipzigChampions League - FC Bayern - Bodø/Glimt