The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League is set to kick off with a brand-new format that will reshape Europe’s most prestigious club competition. The traditional group stage has been replaced by the innovative league phase, promising more matches, fresh rivalries, and even greater intensity across the continent.

With Paris Saint-Germain entering as the defending champion and Tottenham Hotspur joining as the UEFA Europa League winner, a total of 36 teams will battle for glory on the road to the grand final in Budapest.

When Will the League Phase Be Played?

The new league phase will feature eight matchdays, with each team facing different opponents:

• Matchday 1: September 16–18, 2025
• Matchday 2: September 30–October 1, 2025
• Matchday 3: October 21–22, 2025
• Matchday 4: November 4–5, 2025
• Matchday 5: November 25–26, 2025
• Matchday 6: December 9–10, 2025
• Matchday 7: January 20–21, 2026
• Matchday 8: January 28, 2026

The top-ranked teams will advance directly to the Round of 16, while those finishing in the middle of the table will enter a knockout play-off.

Knockout Rounds and the Final

Once the league phase ends, the high-stakes knockout stage begins:

• Knockout Play-offs: February 17–18 and February 24–25, 2026
• Round of 16: March 10–11 and March 17–18, 2026
• Quarterfinals: April 7–8 and April 14–15, 2026
• Semifinals: April 28–29 and May 5–6, 2026
• Final: May 30, 2026 – Puskás Aréna, Budapest

This will be the first time Hungary’s national stadium hosts a Champions League final, having previously staged the 2023 Europa League decider.

Champions League Draw Dates

The draw schedule is already confirmed:

• First Qualifying Round: June 17, 2025
• Second Qualifying Round: June 18, 2025
• Third Qualifying Round: July 21, 2025
• Play-offs: August 4, 2025
• League Phase Draw: August 28, 2025
• Knockout Play-offs Draw: January 30, 2026
• Round of 16 to Final Draws: February 27, 2026

A Historic Edition Ahead

With the expanded format, the 2025/26 Champions League promises more games, more drama, and unique matchups from the very start. Giants such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and reigning champions PSG will headline the competition, all aiming for European glory in Budapest.