2026-27 European football season opening

The 2026-27 European football season is set to begin in August, highlighted by the UEFA Super Cup scheduled for August 12, 2026, at the Stadion Salzburg (Red Bull Arena) in Austria. The match will feature Paris Saint-Germain, the Champions League winners and current Super Cup holders, against Europa League champions Aston Villa. This event marks the first time the stadium in Klessheim will host a UEFA club final.

As the match approaches, PSG has seen the return of several key international players following their participation in the World Cup, including Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, and Fabian Ruiz. The squad has also integrated new signings Maghnes Akliouche and Lucas Digne. While reports regarding squad availability remain mixed, betting markets continue to list PSG as the favorites.

Aston Villa, led by Unai Emery, seeks its first major European trophy since 1982. The English side has undergone squad changes, including the departures of Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, but remains a significant contender following their successful Europa League campaign.

The match is expected to draw approximately 30,000 spectators. The officiating team will be led by Somali referee Omar Artan, marking a notable moment for African officiating in a major European final. As various European leagues prepare to kick off, several Ecuadorian players, such as Willian Pacho, Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié, and Pervis Estupiñán, are positioned to feature prominently across the continent.