STATUS: OFFICIAL, SUBJECT TO REGULATORY APPROVALS
Shakhtar Donetsk will stage their home matches in the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase at Stamford Bridge in London. Shakhtar and Chelsea officially announced the plan on 21 August, confirming that the two clubs’ management teams had reached an agreement.
The announcement carries an important condition: use of the stadium for these fixtures remains subject to regulatory approvals. Match dates, opponents and ticket information will be released later.
WHY STAMFORD BRIDGE
Shakhtar have been unable to use Donbas Arena since 2014 and, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, have staged European fixtures at different grounds abroad. Hamburg, Warsaw, Krakow and Ljubljana are among the cities that have previously hosted the Ukrainian club’s European matches.
Stamford Bridge is available for this role because Chelsea did not qualify for European competition in 2026/27. The London stadium has an official capacity of 40,022 according to Shakhtar’s announcement.
WHAT THE CLUBS SAID
Shakhtar described the opportunity to play at Stamford Bridge as special and thanked Chelsea for making the venue available. The Ukrainian club said it expects the London fixtures to create a powerful experience for Ukrainian and English supporters.
Chelsea said it would work closely with Shakhtar over the coming weeks to ensure matchdays run safely and smoothly for the team and supporters.
WHAT IS CONFIRMED
- Planned venue: Stamford Bridge, London. - Stage: Shakhtar’s home fixtures in the 2026/27 Champions League league phase. - Status: officially announced by both clubs, subject to regulatory approvals. - Tickets and the complete fixture list: not yet published.
SOURCE
FC Shakhtar Donetsk: https://shakhtar.com/en/news/2026/august/21_news/21_shakhtar_stamford_bridge/
Chelsea FC: https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/fc-shakhtar-donetsk-to-play-home-champions-league-games-at-stamford-bridge
