The wait is over. The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League kicks off this week with Matchday 1 fixtures running from Tuesday, September 16 through Thursday, September 18. Europe’s biggest clubs return to the spotlight, and for American fans, the intrigue is doubled: a number of USMNT players will be on show, some facing dream opportunities, others bracing for brutal tests against Europe’s elite.
Below is the full slate of fixtures (Eastern Time), followed by a breakdown of where U.S. players fit in and what to expect.
Champions League Fixtures – Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 16
- PSV Eindhoven vs Union Saint-Gilloise — 12:45 PM ET
- Athletic Club vs Arsenal — 12:45 PM ET
- Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund — 3:00 PM ET
- Real Madrid vs Marseille — 3:00 PM ET
- Benfica vs Qarabağ FK — 3:00 PM ET
- Tottenham vs Villarreal — 3:00 PM ET
Wednesday, September 17
- Olympiacos vs Pafos — 12:45 PM ET
- Slavia Praha vs Bodø/Glimt — 12:45 PM ET
- Ajax vs Inter — 3:00 PM ET
- Bayern Munich vs Chelsea — 3:00 PM ET
- Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid — 3:00 PM ET
- Paris Saint-Germain vs Atalanta — 3:00 PM ET
Thursday, September 18
- Club Brugge vs Monaco — 12:45 PM ET
- Copenhagen vs Bayer Leverkusen — 3:00 PM ET
- Eintracht Frankfurt vs Galatasaray — 3:00 PM ET
- Manchester City vs Napoli — 3:00 PM ET
- Newcastle United vs Barcelona — 3:00 PM ET
- Sporting vs Kairat Almaty — 3:00 PM ET
The American Angle: USMNT Players in Focus
The Champions League has increasingly become a proving ground for U.S. internationals, and Matchday 1 offers a fascinating cross-section of opportunities. Here’s what to watch for.
Weston McKennie – Juventus
McKennie has finally re-established himself as a key cog in Juventus’ midfield under Igor Tudor. Tuesday’s clash with Borussia Dortmund is a high-intensity opener, and McKennie’s engine room duties will be critical. Expect him to press, break up play, and push the ball into the attack. While he’s not the most likely goal-scorer, his set-piece presence and late surges into the box always carry an outside chance.
Projection: Moderate chance to start; modest chance of a goal or assist.
Tim Weah – Marseille
Few opening nights are tougher than a trip to the Santiago Bernabéu. Marseille face Real Madrid, and Weah could be deployed at right wing or wing-back. His pace on the counter is Marseille’s best weapon, though most of his work could come in defense against Vinícius Júnior and company.
Projection: Could start; contributions more likely to come from defensive solidity than attacking output.
Folarin Balogun – Monaco
On Thursday, Monaco travel to Brugge, with Folarin Balogun expected to lead the line. The forward remains central to Monaco’s attack, combining strong movement with clinical finishing. This is the type of fixture where he can thrive: not against Europe’s very top clubs yet, but a meaningful chance to stamp his authority.
Projection: High likelihood of starting; decent chance of scoring or assisting.
Johnny Cardoso – Atlético Madrid
Cardoso is still adjusting to Diego Simeone’s system, but Atlético’s opener against Liverpool is a baptism by fire. After starting Atletico’s first two La Liga matches, he did not feature over the weekend; it’s possible Simeone was planning some rotation for this difficult Champions League fixture, If selected, Cardoso’s role will be about disrupting the attack, shielding the defense, and helping transition from pressure to counter. Don’t expect fireworks, but this could be a statement game if he shows composure against one of Europe’s most relentless midfields.
Projection: Cardoso picked up a sprain in training on Monday and is not included in Simeone’s 22-man roster versus Liverpool. This is the latest setback for Cardoso, who will hope to recover quickly for both La Liga and Champions League action.
Sergiño Dest & Ricardo Pepi – PSV Eindhoven
PSV begin with a favorable matchup at home to Union Saint-Gilloise, and both Dest and Pepi will look to make it count.
Dest has returned from injury with strong form, offering width and attacking intent from right back. His overlapping runs could overwhelm a Belgian defense not accustomed to his pace and delivery. Pepi, meanwhile, has been working back from a knee issue but is scoring again for PSV. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, this is a prime opportunity to get off the mark in the Champions League.
Projection: Dest has a high chance of assisting; Pepi could open his Champions League account, if the turnaround is not too quick for his knee from weekend Eredivisie action.
Malik Tillman – Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen face Copenhagen, and Tillman is expected to play a creative role. His ability to find space between the lines and provide final passes could make him influential in a winnable tie.
Projection: Likely start, with a possible goal contribution (goal or assist); a good opportunity to shine.
Yunus Musah – Atalanta
Musah is still fighting for minutes after his summer move to Atalanta. With PSG as the opening opponent, his role may be limited to a substitute appearance. If he does get on the pitch, his ball-carrying ability could be useful in breaking Paris’ press.
Projection: Limited involvement expected; unlikely to impact the stat sheet.
Storylines to Watch
- Fitness and Rotation: Several Americans are still finding rhythm after summer moves or injuries. How often they start, versus appearing off the bench, will be telling for their club roles.
- Tough Assignments: Weah vs Madrid, McKennie vs Dortmund, and Cardoso vs Liverpool are unforgiving matchups. Strong performances here would elevate reputations.
- Attacking Spotlight: Balogun, Tillman, Pepi, and Dest are in the best positions to register tangible attacking returns this week. For the forwards especially, the Champions League is the perfect stage to showcase their finishing quality.
- 2026 World Cup Auditions: With the tournament on home soil less than a year away, consistent Champions League minutes are a valuable currency. Coaches and fans alike will be watching closely.
Who’s Most Likely to Shine?
Among the U.S. contingent, Balogun, Tillman, Dest, and Pepi look the most poised for eye-catching contributions on Matchday 1. McKennie‘s influence may be quieter but equally vital, while Weah and Musah will be judged more on their ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.
One thing is clear: American players are no longer fringe figures in the Champions League—they are participants with real stakes and responsibilities. How they perform this week could set the tone for both their European campaigns and their readiness for the U.S. national team’s biggest test yet in 2026.
