The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League is in full swing, with 36 elite clubs competing for European football's most prestigious trophy. The tournament's modern league phase ensures a thrilling and extensive battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
The New League Format and Premier League Challenge
In this revamped format, every club plays a total of eight matches. Each team faces two opponents from each of the four seeding pots, creating a balanced but demanding fixture list. The Premier League is strongly represented with six clubs in the competition this season: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, Newcastle, and Chelsea.
The path to the final is clear. The top eight teams in the league-phase table will automatically qualify for the round of 16. Meanwhile, clubs finishing between ninth and 24th place will enter a two-legged play-off round for a chance to join them in the last 16.
Key Dates for Your Diary
The Champions League action is spread across a carefully planned calendar. The first week of matches will be unique, taking place across Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The subsequent six matchdays will revert to the traditional Tuesday and Wednesday schedule.
However, the final league-phase matchday on Wednesday 28 January 2026 promises high drama. In a decisive simultaneous kick-off, all 18 matches will begin at the exact same time, determining the final standings in real-time.
Full Champions League Schedule
League Phase:
- 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 Phase:
- Knockout phase play-offs: 17/18 & 24/25 February 2026
- Round of 16: 10/11 & 17/18 March 2026
- Quarter-finals: 7/8 & 14/15 April 2026
- Semi-finals: 28/29 April & 5/6 May 2026
- Final: 30 May 2026 (Budapest)
As the league phase progresses, the battle for automatic qualification and a place in the play-offs intensifies. All eyes are on the final in Budapest, where one team will be crowned champion of Europe on 30 May 2026.
