From Munich to Madrid: Early Contenders For The 2026 UEFA Champions League Crown | OneFootball

With the 2025 UEFA Champions League at its conclusion, eyes turn quickly to who might lift the trophy in 2026. Across Europe’s top leagues, a handful of powerhouses have laid the groundwork for another deep continental run, while several up-and-comers and savvy dark horses could upset the established order.

In this early preview, we’ll break down the traditional juggernauts poised to challenge, emerging threats and “dark horse” picks, and early betting perspectives ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

The Usual Suspects: Europe’s Elite

Manchester City

Although Pep Guardiola’s side slipped to third in the Premier League (71 points), they remain perennial favorites in Europe, boasting a deep squad, tactical innovation, and Champions League experience. City have reached at least the semi-finals in three of the past four editions and will enter 2025-26 as one of the top seeds, thanks to their UEFA coefficient and consistent domestic qualification.

Real Madrid

Defending La Liga runners-up to Barcelona, Real Madrid enter next season with one eye on restoring domestic supremacy, and the other on reclaiming the Champions League crown they won in 2023-24.

Their blend of seasoned winners (Luka Modric, Lucas Vázquez and Thibaut Courtois) and emerging stars (Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo) suggests they’ll again be among the favorites across betting websites.

Bayern Munich

Under new boss Vincent Kompany, Bayern clinched a record 33rd Bundesliga title in 2024-25 and will look to convert domestic dominance into European success. Despite missing out on marquee attacker Florian Wirtz, they’ve lined up alternative wide options, Rafael Leão, Kaoru Mitoma, and potentially Nico Williams, underscoring their ambition to pair Kompany’s fresh ideas with firepower up front.

Barcelona

Barcelona’s 28th La Liga triumph, completed as a domestic treble under Hansi Flick, cements them as leading contenders. With Lamine Yamal’s breakout performances and the continued dominance of established attackers Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, Barça enter 2025-26 with momentum.

Their deep squad depth and youthful exuberance make them a genuine threat across all competitions.

French & Italian Contenders: Building on Momentum

Paris Saint-Germain

Having reached the 2026 UEFA Champions League Final, PSG’s unbeaten 38-game Ligue 1 campaign (26 W, 6 D, 2 L) and domestic double demonstrate an elite core. This includes Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, Gonçalo Ramos, Nuno Mendes, Achraf Hakimi, and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Key to their 2025-26 prospects will be the team’s ability to refine defensive solidity and supplement attacking flair, perhaps with further midfield reinforcements.

Napoli

Fresh off a dramatic Serie A title, snatched by a single point over Inter, Napoli have proven they can mix grit and creativity under Antonio Conte’s stewardship. Scott McTominay’s 12 goals in his debut season and Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s leadership hint at a squad capable of replicating the domestic magic in Europe, especially if they shore up squad depth during the summer.

If they can add a few more pieces, don’t be surprised to see them listed among the odds-on favorites for the 2026 title.

Inter Milan

Inter’s run to the 2025 final showcased Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 mastery, blending defensive resilience with lethal counterattacks led by Lautaro Martínez. A narrow second-place Scudetto finish highlights room for improvement, but retaining their spine of Nicolò Barella, Denzel Dumfries and Martínez will keep them in the mix for a 2026 push.

Dark Horses & Emerging Threats

Arsenal

After finishing second in the Premier League (74 points) and showcasing a potent attack under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal look set to sustain Champions League qualification and deepen their European credentials.

With Benjamin Šeško’s £75 million arrival from RB Leipzig imminent, they’ll aim to blend youth and experience for a breakthrough campaign, making them one of the highest-value underdog picks for 2026.

Liverpool

Champions in 2018-19, Liverpool’s high-octane style under Arne Slot can unsettle any opponent. Although their 2025-26 Champions League path remains to be drawn, their front three, still led by Luis Díaz, and Mohamed Salah, as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ryan Gravenberch’s playmaking, makes them an unpredictable challenger and potential underdog choice for the 2026 title.

Atalanta & Eintracht Frankfurt

Teams like Atalanta (Serie A qualifiers) and Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga qualifiers) have repeatedly upset Europe’s elite with Gian Piero Gasperini’s aggressive system and Dino Toppmöller’s dynamic Frankfurt. Both clubs possess the tactical identity and undervalued talent to spring surprises in the group stage and beyond.

Final Thoughts

As Europe’s elite regroup after the Paris vs. Inter final, the race for 2026 is already underway: traditional powerhouses must reinforce key weak spots, while ambitious challengers aim to exploit any cracks.

Whether you lean toward PSG’s star quality, Bayern’s Bundesliga strength, or an under-the-radar pick like Arsenal or Atalanta, the coming months promise a riveting buildup. Keep a close eye on transfers, managerial tweaks, and early odds movements, because the smartest edges often emerge well before the first whistle of the group stage.