Chelsea Women will host their 2026-27 UEFA Women's Champions League home matches at Plough Lane. The change of venue from their regular Women's Super League home of Stamford Bridge begins with the group stage opener against Austria Vienna on Tuesday, September 23, with an 8 p.m. Kick-off.
The club's European campaign follows a summer of significant squad changes, with experienced players Millie Bright, Sam Kerr and Niamh Charles departing. The major incoming transfer was defender Katie McCabe, who joined from London rivals Arsenal after over a decade with the Gunners. The 30-year-old's move adds a competitive edge to a squad looking to improve on recent European near-misses. Fans can view the full updated squad on the club's official site.
Chelsea's sole Champions League final appearance came in 2021, where they lost to Barcelona. The Spanish side then eliminated them in the semi-finals for the next four consecutive seasons. Last season, Arsenal knocked Chelsea out in the quarter-finals, a stage the Blues are determined to surpass this time around. The team's current domestic form, where they have scored 8 goals in their first three matches, suggests they have the firepower to compete.
European schedule
The full group stage schedule has been confirmed. After hosting Austria Vienna, Chelsea travel to face OL Lyon on September 30. They welcome Roma to Plough Lane on October 28, before an away trip to BK Hacken on November 10. The final home game is against Paris Saint-Germain on November 18, with the group concluding away to OH Leuven on December 16. All matches will be broadcast on Disney+. The complete fixtures list is available online.
Domestically, Chelsea sit third in the Women's Super League with seven points from three games. Their recent form includes a 2-0 win over Birmingham City, with goals from Aggie Potter and Melvine Malard. That match offers an early reunion for McCabe, whose last visit to Stamford Bridge in January saw her sent off in a fiery WSL contest. The team will be looking to close the gap at the top of the standings as the season progresses.
Manager Emma Hayes has emphasised using the new surroundings to build a fortress in Europe. The switch to Plough Lane provides a dedicated European base as the team aims to finally lift the continent's top trophy. Hayes will be hoping her key players remain fit for the challenge, with current team news available via the injuries page.
More detail at espn.com
