Chelsea may not be competing in Europe this season, but Stamford Bridge could still stage UEFA Champions League matches during the 2026/27 campaign.
According to GiveMeSport on Thursday, July 30, 2026, Chelsea’s home ground is among the venues being considered to host the European fixtures of Ukrainian champions FC Shakhtar Donetsk.
Chelsea missed out on European qualification after finishing 10th in the Premier League last season. Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. claimed the final European qualification place in eighth, while Brentford F.C. finished ninth.
The absence of continental football ends a run of European success for the Blues, who lifted the UEFA Europa League in 2019, the UEFA Champions League in 2021 and the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2025.
Attention at Stamford Bridge has now turned to rebuilding under new head coach Xabi Alonso ahead of the new domestic season.
Chelsea have already strengthened their squad by completing the British-record signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a reported £117 million, while experienced England internationals Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck are also expected to join the club.
Despite Chelsea’s absence from European competition, Stamford Bridge could still host Champions League fixtures because Shakhtar Donetsk are unable to play home matches in Ukraine due to the ongoing security situation.
The report states that Stamford Bridge is one of several stadiums under consideration, alongside Gtech Community Stadium and Craven Cottage.
A spokesperson for Shakhtar confirmed that discussions are taking place with a number of stadiums in both the United Kingdom and Germany but said no final decision has yet been reached.
Now managed by former Arda Turan, Shakhtar Donetsk are due to begin their Champions League league-phase campaign on September 8.
If an agreement is finalised, Stamford Bridge could once again host Europe’s premier club competition this season—even though Chelsea themselves will not be taking part.
