Champions League Begins With Nepal Tribute

The 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase commences this week, with matches scheduled from Tuesday, September 8, through Thursday, September 10. The opening matchday will feature 36 teams competing across 18 fixtures, marking the start of Europe's premier club competition under its expanded format. In a gesture of solidarity, UEFA has confirmed that all Champions League matches this week will begin with a minute's silence to honor those affected by devastating floods and landslides in Nepal. A banner displaying the message "You are not alone Nepal" will also be displayed inside stadiums as a sign of support for the victims and impacted communities. The tribute comes in the wake of a catastrophic ice and rock avalanche on August 26, which triggered severe flooding across parts of northern and central Nepal, causing widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure, and resulting in a significant death toll. The league phase, which runs until January 2027, features eight matches for each of the 36 participating clubs.