Decisive round of the Champions League will have ten games that define places in the playoffs

Carolina Costa

em August 11, 2026

Understand the dynamics of the third knockout phase

The third round of the Champions League is a crucial step for clubs aiming for the main stage. The winners of these clashes will advance directly to the playoffs, where they will join 29 teams already guaranteed in the league stage. The final objective is to join the group of 36 participants, whose complete definition will take place by August 26th.

For teams that fail to qualify at this stage of the Champions League, the European journey can still continue. The eliminated teams have the opportunity to compete in the Europa League playoffs, the second most important continental competition. Those who fall in the Champions League playoffs, in turn, guarantee a direct place in the league stage of the Europa League, ensuring continuity on the European stage and an important financial boost.

Importance of advancing to the Champions League stage

Reaching the league stage of the Champions League represents more than just sporting prestige; It is a significant leap in financial terms and visibility for the clubs involved. Participation guarantees robust revenues from broadcasting rights, ticketing and sponsorships, which can be fundamental to the development and competitiveness of teams. For smaller clubs, a place in the league stage offers a unique platform to face global football giants, attract talent and expand their brand globally, consolidating their position on the European stage.

Learn more: CBF sets goals for the Brazilian team until 2030, including Copa América and Qualifiers

Calendar: draw and grand final in Madrid

The league phase of the 2026/27 Champions League is scheduled to start on September 8th. The draw that will define all the clashes in this stage will be held on August 27th, right after the conclusion of all the qualifiers.

The European club season will culminate with the grand final, scheduled for June 5, 2027. The venue for this decision will be the Metropolitano stadium, home of Atlético de Madrid, in the Spanish capital.

The ten decisive clashes for the third round

Check out the games that take place on August 11, 2026 and that could change the fate of the teams in the Champions League, with Brasilia times:

On the same topic: The future of the Brazilian team: analysis of Ancelotti’s stay, returns and the cycle for the 2030 World Cup

12:00 — Kairat Almaty-CZA x Levski Sofia-BUL — (one-way: 0 x 1)
1:00 pm — Sabah-AZE x Aarhus-DIN — (one-way: 1 x 2)
13:00 — Bodø/Glimt-NOR x Union Saint-Gilloise-BEL — (one way: 3 x 3)
2:00 pm — Kauno Žalgiris-LTU x Dinamo Zagreb-CRO — (one-way: 0 x 5)
2:30 pm — NEC Nijmegen-HOL x Olympiacos-GRE — (one-way: 0 x 0)
3:00 pm — Red Star-SER x Hapoel Beer-Sheva-ISR — (one-way: 0 x 1)
3:15 pm — Slovan Bratislava-SVK x Mjällby-SUE — (one-way: 2 x 1)
3:15 pm — Celje-SVN x Ararat-Armenia-ARM — (one-way: 1 x 2)
3:30 pm — Sturm Graz-AUT x Fenerbahçe-TUR — (one-way: 0 x 2)
4:00 pm — Lyon-FRA x Sparta Praha-CZE — (one-way: 1 x 2)

Clubs already guaranteed in the 2026/27 Champions League phase

Twenty-nine clubs have already stamped their passports for the league phase of the 2026/27 Champions League. The list includes some of the biggest names in European football and champions of their leagues, promising high-level clashes from the start of the main phase.

See the teams that are already classified: