The lineup for the upcoming Champions League campaign is beginning to solidify, featuring teams from the top European leagues, including England, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Turkey. However, an unexpected entrant emerged on May 10, as a team from Ukraine has secured its position.
Shakhtar Donetsk, having successfully claimed another title in the Ukrainian Premier League, has also guaranteed a place in the main round of the 2026/27 Champions League. Their first-place finish in the UPL, coupled with a strong club coefficient, has earned them direct entry into the group stage.
Further fortifying their standing, Shakhtar benefitted from results in other European leagues, where rivals failed to qualify directly. As a result, they will participate in the main draw of Europe’s most prestigious club competition as the highest-ranked team qualifying through the Champions Path.