Chelsea have confirmed that Shakhtar Donetsk will use Stamford Bridge as their home venue for UEFA Champions League group-stage matches during the 2026-27 season, subject to the necessary regulatory approval.
The Ukrainian club will stage their home fixtures at Chelsea’s London ground after the Premier League club failed to qualify for European competition in the 2025-26 campaign. Chelsea said it was pleased to offer Stamford Bridge to Shakhtar Donetsk for their Champions League campaign.
Shakhtar have previously played European home matches in several cities away from Ukraine. Those venues have included Hamburg in Germany and Warsaw in Poland. For the forthcoming season, however, their home games will be held at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea said: “Shakhtar Donetsk has played across many countries in Europe, and we look forward to welcoming them to London this season as they begin their Champions League journey.
“In the coming weeks, we will work closely with Shakhtar Donetsk to ensure that matchday operations are safe and smooth, providing confidence for both the team and supporters.”
The arrangement means Stamford Bridge will serve as the setting for Shakhtar Donetsk’s home fixtures in the group stage, with the use of the stadium still dependent on regulatory clearance.
Shakhtar Donetsk said: “Playing our Champions League home matches at Stamford Bridge is a special opportunity. We thank Chelsea Football Club for providing us with the chance to host matches at this iconic stadium. Stamford Bridge is one of the most renowned stadiums in world football, with a storied history and passionate atmosphere. We believe our matches in London will provide an unforgettable experience for both Ukrainian and British supporters.”
The club described the opportunity to host Champions League matches at Stamford Bridge as a significant one and thanked Chelsea Football Club for making the stadium available.
For Chelsea, the agreement provides a role in the 2026-27 European campaign despite them being unable to qualify for continental competition in the preceding 2025-26 season. For Shakhtar Donetsk, it establishes London as the location for their home matches after previous campaigns were based in other European cities.
Both clubs said they would work together in the weeks ahead to prepare for matchdays. Chelsea said the focus would be on ensuring operations are safe and smooth, while also giving confidence to players, staff and supporters.
The Ukrainian side will therefore begin their Champions League journey with Stamford Bridge as their designated home ground, provided approval is granted by the relevant authorities.