Why Stamford Bridge Will Host Champions League Matches Despite Chelsea Not Qualifying
- Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge is set to host Champions League football in the 2026/27 season despite the Blues failing to qualify for the competition
- Chelsea will have no European campaign of their own after a chaotic season saw them finish 10th in the Premier League
- The West London club will now look to put last season’s struggles behind them as they begin a new chapter under manager Xabi Alonso
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Chelsea may be missing from the 2026/27 Champions League, but Stamford Bridge will still welcome Europe's biggest club competition after Shakhtar Donetsk confirmed the iconic London stadium as their temporary home.
The Ukrainian club are set to play at least four Champions League group-stage home matches at Stamford Bridge, giving the ground another taste of European football despite Chelsea's absence.
Source: Getty Images
Why Shakhtar will play at Stamford Bridge
Shakhtar have been unable to host European fixtures in Ukraine since Russia's invasion of the country in 2022.
The ongoing conflict has forced the club to play their continental matches at neutral venues across Europe.
Stamford Bridge will now provide a familiar setting for the Ukrainian side as they continue their Champions League campaign away from home.
The arrangement also makes sense given the clubs' previous links. Chelsea have signed several players connected to Shakhtar, including former winger Willian and Ukrainian forward Mykhailo Mudryk.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea season-ticket holders will also be able to attend Shakhtar's home matches at reduced prices, giving supporters an opportunity to enjoy Champions League nights at their stadium.
Source: Getty Images
Why Chelsea are missing the Champions League
Chelsea's absence follows a difficult 2025/26 campaign in which they finished 10th in the Premier League, lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City and went through three managers.
New head coach Xabi Alonso has since taken charge, but his first season will be played without European football.
That makes Champions League qualification one of Alonso's biggest objectives, with the 2027/28 season currently representing Chelsea's earliest realistic return to Europe's elite competition.
For now, Stamford Bridge will still have Champions League nights — just without Chelsea taking centre stage.
Instead, Shakhtar will carry the European spotlight to West London while the Blues begin the task of rebuilding at home.
Why Chelsea fans fear Joao Pedro's No.9 shirt
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Chelsea have confirmed that Joao Pedro will wear the No. 9 shirt in the 2026/27 season after previously wearing No. 20.
The decision has sparked concern among fans because several strikers have struggled while wearing the famous shirt at the club.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
