Our best previous run in the competition saw us reach the quarter-finals in the 2013/14 season, where we were beaten by eventual winners Barcelona. 

We were eliminated in the league phase last season despite victories over Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco. Barcelona won the competition for the third time, beating Trabzonspor 4-1 in the final.

This time around, we'll face Athletic Club, Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, Bayern Munich, Atletico de Madrid and Club Brugge as we look to reach the knockout stages.

HOW DOES THE UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE WORK?

The contenders are split into two paths, the UEFA Champions League path (involving all 36 clubs who are competing in the senior Champions League), and the Domestic Champions path. This path includes the domestic youth champions of all UEFA member associations; previously, participation was limited to the top 32 associations of the ranking list.

If a club qualifies for both the Champions League path and the Domestic Champions path, they automatically participate in the Champions League path and the vacancy in the domestic path is, in principle, filled by the runners-up of the same association. In case the runners-up also qualify via the Champions League path, the vacancy is not filled.

The two paths come together for the knockout phase, running from a round of 32 in February, which will be played over one leg until the semi-final stage. The clubs ranked 1st-6th (Champions League path) will play against the clubs ranked 17th - 22nd. The clubs ranked 7th -16th will face the 10 clubs that qualify via the Domestic Champions path.

A further open draw will be held for the round of 16 onwards.

The tournament will, as before, conclude with a final four (semi-finals and final) played at a neutral venue.

WHO WILL WE PLAY IN THE UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE?

The league phase will mirror the Champions League league phase but limited to the first six matchdays, with the same matches played in both competitions (three at home and three away).

We'll host Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos and travel to Club Brugge, Slavia Prague and Athletic Club. The men's games in 2026 against Inter Milan and Kairat Almaty will not be contested at UEFA Youth League level.

Of our six opponents, Olympiacos tasted the most recent success in the competition, winning the title two years ago. 

The top 22 clubs from the league phase will qualify for the round of 32, along with the ten teams who qualify from the Domestic Champions Path.

Below are the list of league phase fixtures we'll play. Kick off times are GMT.

Matchday 1

Tuesday, September 16

Athletic Club v Arsenal

Lezama Campo, 11am

Matchday 2

Wednesday, October 1

Arsenal v Olympiacos

Mangata Pay UK Stadium, 1pm

Matchday 3

Tuesday, October 21

Arsenal v Atletico Madrid

Mangata Pay UK Stadium, 1pm

Matchday 4

Tuesday, November 4

Slavia Prague v Arsenal

Sports Centre Radotin, 12pm

Matchday 5

Wednesday, November 26

Arsenal v Bayern Munich

Mangata Pay UK Stadium, 1pm

Matchday 6

Wednesday, December 10

Club Brugge v Arsenal

The Nest, 2.30pm