Chelsea Women host Real Sociedad in a two-legged UEFA Women's Champions League qualifier with kick-off at 6.45pm on Wednesday 26 August 2026 at Cherry Red Records Stadium. The Londoners finished third in the Women's Super League this season, securing European football and a place in the UWCL qualifier against the Liga F side. According to the official Chelsea website, the tie will determine whether the Blues enter the league phase of the 2026/27 competition or face the challenge of the two-legged tie. The second leg is scheduled for 2 September at 6pm at Estadio Zubieta in San Sebastian.
What does the qualifier mean for Chelsea's season?
Chelsea's third-place finish in the Women's Super League this season means they will play the qualifier against Real Sociedad to determine whether or not they enter the league phase of the Women's Champions League competition for 2026/27. The Blues finished the 2025 campaign with 49 points from 22 games, a goal difference of +24 after scoring 44 and conceding 20, and sit six points behind leaders Manchester City W in the title race. Recent form has been strong, with a WWWWD run that signals the squad is peaking at the right time ahead of European action.
How can fans watch the match live?
Tickets are available for Wednesday's match at Cherry Red Records Stadium, while the game can be watched for free on the Chelsea website and Chelsea Official App. Team news, live updates and match coverage will be provided in the Match Centre on the Chelsea Official App and website. The club can also be followed on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for behind-the-scenes content and post-match analysis.
What is Real Sociedad's form ahead of the tie?
Real Sociedad finished third in Liga F this season and will be looking to cause an upset against the English side. In pre-season, the Spanish side drew 1-1 with Logrono United and lost 2-0 to SCU Torreense, showing they will be ready for the challenge. This is the first match in Chelsea's history against Real Sociedad, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the tie. Last season, Chelsea only faced Spanish opposition once, drawing 1-1 against Barcelona in the UWCL league phase at Stamford Bridge, with Ellie Carpenter scoring the goal.
Chelsea's pre-season momentum carries into European action
Chelsea can enter the UWCL qualifier carrying plenty of confidence from pre-season friendlies. The Blues won both of their pre-season outings, recording a 7-0 victory over Auckland FC in New Zealand and a 3-0 win over A-League All-Stars in Sydney. That attacking intent will be vital against a Real Sociedad side that finished third in Spain's top flight and will look to exploit any defensive frailties.
What happens next for Chelsea Women?
The winner of this qualifier will secure a place in the league phase of the 2026/27 UEFA Women's Champions League, a competition Chelsea will be eager to feature in after finishing third domestically. With the second leg in San Sebastian on 2 September, the tie promises to be a fascinating test of quality between two sides who finished third in their respective domestic leagues last season. Chelsea will be aiming to build on their strong recent form and continue their development in European competition.
