UEFA Champions League: Four Teams Making Their Debut

The UEFA Champions League 2026-27 season begins on Tuesday with 36 teams competing. Paris Saint-Germain are defending champions, having won against Arsenal in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in extra time. They aim to win three straight titles for the first time since Real Madrid in 2017-18.

This season, four teams will compete in the Champions League for the first time: Como (Italy), LASK (Austria), Sabah (Azerbaijan), and Viking (Norway). Since the tournament expanded to 36 teams in 2024/25, 13 clubs have made their debut.

Como, ranked fourth in Serie A, qualified automatically. This is their first European competition appearance. They returned to Serie A in 2024 after being in Serie B the previous season. Under coach Cesc Fàbregas, they finished fourth in 2025/26. Their first Champions League match is against RB Leipzig at home.

LASK, winners of the Austrian title, will compete in the Champions League for the first time. They won the league and domestic cup in 2025/26. Their European history includes reaching the Europa League’s last 16 in 2019/20. After a thrilling 5-4 win over Celtic in qualifiers, they start their campaign away to AEK Athens.

Sabah, from Azerbaijan, qualified for the league phase after overcoming Hapoel Beer-Sheva in extra time. They previously beat The New Saints, KuPS Kuopio, and Aarhus in qualifying. Sabah won their first league and cup titles in 2025/26. Their first match is against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Viking, Norwegian champions, will make their Champions League debut after winning their first league title in 34 years in 2025. They advanced through qualifying to reach the league phase. Their first group stage appearance since the 2005/06 UEFA Cup, they face VfB Stuttgart in their opener.