FC Shakhtar Donetsk will play their home matches for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase at Stamford Bridge in London, United Kingdom, according to official club announcements. Subject to regulatory approvals from governing authorities, the Ukrainian club secured an agreement with Chelsea FC to use the Premier League stadium as their European base.
Stamford Bridge Confirmed as Shakhtar’s European Base
The Ukrainian side confirmed through official club channels that management reached a formal accord with Chelsea FC, the owner of the historic London venue, for the upcoming 2026/27 European campaign. “Subject to regulatory approvals, FC Shakhtar will play their home matches of the UEFA Champions League league phase at Stamford Bridge for the 2026/27 season,” Chelsea FC stated via social media updates.
Geopolitical Conflict Forces Relocation from Ukraine
The decision to host European fixtures abroad stems from the ongoing security crisis in Ukraine, which erupted following the onset of the Donbas conflict in 2014 and intensified dramatically with the subsequent Russian invasion. These persistent geopolitical circumstances have long prevented Shakhtar from hosting high-profile international fixtures at the Donbass Arena. Over the past decade, the club has navigated various temporary homes, playing continental matches in cities across Europe including Lviv, Kharkiv, Kyiv, as well as venues in Poland, Germany, and Slovenia. The move to Stamford Bridge marks a shift to English soil for the upcoming tournament phase.
Chelsea Extends Use of Stadium Following Domestic Struggles
In a direct statement regarding the agreement, Chelsea FC provided context surrounding the decision to open their stadium doors. According to the club’s severe public communication, the arrangement came together “dada la decepcionante temporada 2025/26 del Chelsea FC y su fracaso a la hora de clasificarse para competiciones europeas,” which left the London side finishing 10th in the Premier League table. Deprived of European football of their own for the 2026/27 season, the club noted that it was pleased to offer Shakhtar the chance to utilize the stadium. Outlets reporting on the agreement also noted historical ties between the clubs, tracing back to the tenure of former owner Roman Abramovich and subsequent charitable allocations tied to war relief efforts.
Next Steps in the Champions League Calendar
While both clubs have finalized the stadium agreement, the exact list of visiting opponents remains to be determined. The final composition of the Champions League league phase depends on the conclusion of the ongoing playoff round, where 14 clubs continue competing for qualification spots ahead of the tournament draw. Matches featuring teams such as Bodø/Glimt, Celtic, Fenerbahçe, Dinamo Zagreb, and others will settle the remaining places before group-stage matchups are locked in for the autumn calendar.
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