Shamrock Rovers begin 2026-27 Champions League qualifying campaign
The 2026-27 Uefa Champions League begins on Tuesday with the first qualifying round, just 38 days after Paris St-Germain won last season’s final.
While the 2026 World Cup continues, Europe’s premier club competition is already getting underway.
The preliminary stages feature a host of unheralded teams beginning their long journey towards the lucrative group phases.
Among those in early action are Irish champions Shamrock Rovers.
World Cup stars and stretched squads
The Dublin-based outfit will have to navigate these continental fixtures while managing limited resources.
They are currently without standout defender Roberto Lopes, who has been starring for Cape Verde on the global stage.
The centre-back recently helped the African islanders push reigning world champions Argentina to extra time in the round of 32.
Luxembourg debutants make history
Elsewhere in the draw, Atert Bissen are making their maiden appearance in the competition following an extraordinary domestic ascent.
They recently became only the second European team to go from the third tier to national champions in three consecutive seasons.
Their rapid rise was masterminded by club president Carlos Teixeira.
The construction entrepreneur successfully lured talent by offering regular employment alongside semi-professional football contracts.
Bosnian champions seek further progress
Also entering the fray are Borac Banja Luka, who have claimed the Bosnian Premier League title twice in the last three years.
The Republika Srpska-based side boast recent continental pedigree.
They made history two seasons ago by becoming the first club from their nation to reach the knockout phase of a major European competition.
Romanian side CS Universitatea Craiova will also be looking to make their mark as the qualifying rounds intensify over the coming weeks.