UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Draw: Date, Location, Format, and Qualified Teams

The Champions League is back… and the draw will shape the road to glory. Monaco becomes the epicenter of European football with 36 teams, a new league format, and high-stakes matchups. Who will face the toughest path?

A fresh new start

The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 is set to kick off with a much-anticipated draw that will determine the fate of Europe’s elite. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, August 28, at the iconic Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, featuring all 36 qualified teams. This marks the second season under the competition’s revamped structure — and excitement is already building.

Gone are the traditional groups. Now, we have a single league format where each team plays eight different opponents, offering greater variety and intensity from day one.

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How does the draw work?

The 36 teams will be split into four pots based on UEFA club coefficients. Each team will face two clubs from each pot, one at home and one away — for a total of eight matches. The draw ensures no two teams meet twice, increasing the unpredictability and drama of the early rounds.

The top eight teams in the league standings will advance directly to the Round of 16, while teams placed 9th to 24th will enter a two-legged playoff. Those ranked 25th and below are eliminated outright — no Europa League lifeline.

More games. More tension. More show.

UEFA Champions League

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Who’s in?

So far, 29 teams have secured their place, with seven more set to qualify via the playoffs ending on August 27. The lineup includes giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, PSG, Juventus, and more. Historic clubs such as Ajax, Galatasaray, and Olympiacos are also in the mix, ready to shake things up.