Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Nine clubs have been confirmed to enter the 2026/27 UEFA Women's Champions League league phase directly, ahead of the third qualifying round's conclusion on 2 September. The league phase draw is set for 4 September, where the 18 contenders will be divided into three seeding pots, each providing two opponents for the competing teams.
The confirmed teams are Manchester City and Arsenal from England; OL Lyonnes and Paris FC from France; holders Barcelona from Spain; Bayern München from Germany; Roma from Italy; Benfica from Portugal; and Häcken from Sweden, the 2025/26 Women's Europa Cup winners.
Barcelona, OL Lyonnes, and Arsenal have notable achievements. Barcelona, current holders and Spanish champions, finished first in last season's league phase and have claimed the competition four times, including the 2025/26 season. They have reached the final six consecutive years, a first in tournament history, despite the departure of longtime player Alexia Putellas. Barcelona's titles were secured in 2020/21, 2022/23, 2023/24, and 2025/26.
OL Lyonnes, French champions and last season's runners-up, hold eight Women's Champions League titles across multiple seasons, with their latest final marking their 12th. Coach Jonatan Giráldez, formerly of Barcelona, leads the team. Wendie Renard has featured in all of OL's finals, adding to the club's extensive European pedigree.
Bayern München, German champions and semi-finalists last season, have reached this stage consistently since the format change in 2021/22, alongside Barcelona and OL Lyonnes. Bayern have made several semi-final appearances but have not advanced beyond that stage.