Chelsea FC Champions League Last 16 Draw: Who Will They Face?

Chelsea's potential opponents include PSG, Newcastle, Monaco, or Qarabag after a rollercoaster league phase.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:15am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Champions League match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain, with the players and the field of play fragmented into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color.The high-stakes Champions League clash between Chelsea and PSG promises to be a tactical and technical masterpiece, with both teams vying for a spot in the quarter-finals.Boise Today

Chelsea FC's journey in the Champions League has been nothing short of dramatic, and now fans are on the edge of their seats wondering who the team will face in the last 16. After a rollercoaster league phase, the Blues secured their spot without the nail-biting tension of a knockout play-off. However, their sixth-place finish sets them up for a clash with one of the play-off winners, and the possibilities are both thrilling and daunting.

Why it matters

Chelsea's potential opponents in the last 16 include some of Europe's top teams, including the reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, as well as Premier League rivals Newcastle. This draw sets up the possibility of an all-English showdown or a rematch with the defending titleholders, both of which would generate significant interest and excitement among fans.

The details

Chelsea's league phase was a mix of triumphs and setbacks. Highlighted by a stunning 3-0 victory over Barcelona and a dominant win against Ajax at Stamford Bridge, the Blues also secured wins over Benfica and debutants Pafos. However, they weren't invincible, drawing away at Qarabag and falling to defeats against Bayern Munich and Atalanta under former coach Enzo Maresca. These results placed them just a point ahead of giants like Real Madrid and Inter Milan, who were relegated to the play-offs.

  • Chelsea secured their spot in the last 16 without the need for a knockout play-off.
  • The draw paired Newcastle with Qarabag and PSG with Monaco, setting the stage for some mouth-watering matchups.
  • Newcastle's emphatic 9-3 aggregate win over Qarabag, fueled by Anthony Gordon's four first-half goals in the first leg, has raised eyebrows.
  • PSG, the reigning champions, barely scraped through the play-offs after failing to secure automatic qualification.

The players

Chelsea FC

An English professional football club based in Fulham, London. They are one of the most successful clubs in English football history, having won numerous domestic and European titles.

Paris Saint-Germain

A French professional football club based in Paris. They are the reigning champions of the UEFA Champions League, having won the title in the 2025/26 season.

Newcastle United

An English professional football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne. They are a Premier League club and have a passionate fan base.

Monaco

A French professional football club based in La Condamine, Monaco. They are a regular participant in the UEFA Champions League and have won the title once.

Qarabag

An Azerbaijani professional football club based in Agdam. They are the current champions of the Azerbaijani Premier League and have made several appearances in the UEFA Champions League.

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What they’re saying

“Chelsea's potential opponents in the last 16 include some of Europe's top teams, and the draw could set up some mouth-watering matchups.”

— Margart Wisoky, Sports Journalist

“Newcastle's emphatic win over Qarabag has raised eyebrows, and a potential all-Premier League showdown with Chelsea would be a thrilling prospect for fans.”

— Margart Wisoky, Sports Journalist

“PSG's struggles in the play-offs have left many scratching their heads, and facing the reigning champions would be a tough test for Chelsea.”

— Margart Wisoky, Sports Journalist

What’s next

The draw for the UEFA Champions League last 16 will take place on Tuesday, April 15, 2026, where Chelsea's opponents will be revealed.

The takeaway

Chelsea's Champions League journey has been full of ups and downs, and the last 16 draw will determine their path to the quarter-finals. Facing a top team like PSG or a Premier League rival like Newcastle would make for an exciting and challenging matchup, with the potential for a deep run in the competition.