The UEFA Champions League 2025-2026 season continues under the modernized format introduced in 2024-25. With 36 teams in a single “league phase,” knockout rounds, and the final set for 30 May 2026 at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna, this season promises high drama, official fixtures, and a straightforward roadmap for fans around the world. Below is everything confirmed so far dates, format, teams, and where to watch.
Key Dates & Official Schedule
According to UEFA’s official communications:
- Qualifying Rounds
- First qualifying round: 8-9 and 15-16 July 2025
- Second qualifying round: 22-23 and 29-30 July 2025
- Third qualifying round: 5-6 and 12-13 August 2025
- Play-off round: 19-20 and 26-27 August 2025
- League Phase (36-team phase with 8 matchdays)
- Matchday 1: 16-18 September 2025
- Matchday 2: 30 September – 1 October 2025
- Matchday 3: 21-22 October 2025
- Matchday 4: 4-5 November 2025
- Matchday 5: 25-26 November 2025
- Matchday 6: 9-10 December 2025
- Matchday 7: 20-21 January 2026
- Matchday 8: 28 January 2026
- Knockout & Final Rounds
- Knockout play-offs: 17-18 & 24-25 February 2026
- Round of 16 (two legs): 10-11 & 17-18 March 2026
- Quarter-finals: 7-8 & 14-15 April 2026
- Semi-finals: 28-29 April & 5-6 May 2026
- Final at Puskás Aréna, Budapest: 30 May 2026
Format & Rules (Confirmed)
Here’s how the competition is officially structured for 2025-26:
- League Phase (36 teams)
- Replaces the old group stage. There are no classic “groups of four.”
- Each team plays 8 matches: facing 8 different opponents, with 4 home, 4 away.
- Seeding & Draws
- Teams are divided into four pots based on UEFA club coefficients. Pot 1 includes the Champions League holders.
- During the league phase draw, restrictions apply:
- Teams from the same country cannot face each other more than twice.
- No repeat matches (you will not face the same opponent twice in league phase)
- Progression
- The top 8 teams in the league phase table automatically qualify for the Round of 16.
- Teams finishing 9th to 24th enter a knockout play-off round (two-leg ties) for the remaining 8 spots in Round of 16.
- Teams ranked 25th to 36th are eliminated and do not drop into Europa League.
Confirmed Teams in the League Phase
UEFA has confirmed which clubs have already secured direct entry versus those that will complete via qualifiers. Sources list the 36 teams, their seeding pots, and paths.
Some of the Pot 1 teams include:
- Paris Saint-Germain (title holders)
- Real Madrid
- Manchester City
- Bayern Munich
- Liverpool
- Inter Milan
- Chelsea
- Borussia Dortmund
- Barcelona
Other well-known clubs in later pots include Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Napoli, Ajax, Sporting CP, Marseille, and several others.
What’s New & What Changed
- No more group stage: The classic 8 groups of 4 are gone. The “league phase” format gives every club more varied opponents and more matches of significance.
- Fixture calendar more stretched: League phase now runs through January; knockout rounds begin in February. This stretches the Championship across more midweeks but gives fans more European action during winter.
- Final time change: The 2026 final at Puskás Aréna in Budapest will kick off earlier than in recent seasons: 18:00 CEST.
What Fans Should Know
Ticket & Travel Tips
- Clubs will release ticket details after draws; visiting fans should register via official club / UEFA platforms and book early.
- Because clubs face more travel (away games across Europe), plan logistics ahead (visa, transport, lodging).
READ MORE: How to Buy World Cup 2026 Tickets
Viewing Info
- Official live scores, fixtures, and match updates are on UEFA.com.
- Broadcasters vary by country. Look for your local rights holder. At least one match per matchday often has simultaneous kickoff time for ranking fairness.
Competitive Pressure & Rankings
- Every match in the league phase matters: finishing outside the top 8 means more games via play-offs; finishing 25th+ ends Champions League participation.
- Club coefficients remain important not just for seeding, but also respect and future draws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 2026 Champions League final being held?
At Puskás Aréna, Budapest, on 30 May 2026.
How many teams are in the 2025-26 Champions League league phase?
36 teams compete in the league phase.
When does the league phase matchdays run?
From 16-18 September 2025 (Matchday 1) through 28 January 2026 (Matchday 8).
What happens to teams finishing 9th to 24th?
They go into knockout play-offs to determine who joins the top 8 in the Round of 16.
Conclusion
The UEFA Champions League 2025-26 calendar is set with a format designed to increase competitiveness, fairness, and drama. With confirmed teams, matchdays, and knockout pathways, fans, clubs, and media have a clear roadmap. No speculation what’s published by UEFA is the basis.
Bookmark this guide, follow the league phase, and stay tuned as fixtures update. For anyone following European club football, this season is already proving to be historic.