Goal's Champions League Power Rankings: Top Contenders and Knockout Stage Dates

Champions League Contenders: The Power Rankings

According to Главком: The football publication Goal has released its ranking of the leading contenders to win the UEFA Champions League, alongside the confirmed dates for the Round of 16 draw and fixtures. According to the published schedule, the draw for this stage will be held on February 27, 2026. The first legs are set for March 10-11, 2026, with the return legs scheduled for March 17-18, 2026.

In Goal's ranking of the favorites to lift the trophy, the top spots are occupied by:

• Arsenal
• Bayern Munich
• Manchester City
• Liverpool
• Paris Saint-Germain
• Barcelona
• Real Madrid
• Chelsea
• Atletico Madrid
• Sporting CP
• Newcastle United
• Atalanta
• Bodø/Glimt
• Tottenham Hotspur
• Galatasaray
• Bayer Leverkusen

Goal also presented potential pairings for the Round of 16:

• Atalanta/Bayer Leverkusen – Arsenal/Bayern Munich
• Real Madrid/Bodø/Glimt – Sporting CP/Manchester City
• Paris Saint-Germain/Newcastle United – Barcelona/Chelsea
• Galatasaray/Atletico Madrid – Liverpool/Tottenham Hotspur

World Cup Qualifying Match Overview

Separately, the report noted the result of a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff match, where the Ukrainian national team secured a 2-0 victory over Iceland. The goals were scored by Zubkov in the 83rd minute and Hutsuliak in the 90+3rd minute. In the playoff semi-final, Ukraine will face Sweden on March 26, 2026. The winner of that match will then compete in the playoff final against the victor of the Poland vs. Albania tie for a spot at the World Cup.

The European club season is building towards its climax, with the Champions League knockout stages always a major focal point. Meanwhile, Ukraine's crucial win keeps their World Cup dreams alive, adding significant stakes to their upcoming playoff matches. Fans are eagerly anticipating the drama that both prestigious competitions are sure to deliver in the coming weeks.