The UEFA Champions League is reaching a critical juncture as the League Phase concludes, setting the stage for the highly anticipated knockout phase play-off draw. This pivotal event will determine which 16 teams advance to compete for a coveted place in the last 16, with the top eight sides from the League Phase already securing an automatic bye. The drama is intensifying, with holders Paris Saint-Germain and several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle, Chelsea, and Manchester City, all vying for positions that could shape their European campaigns.
When and Where is the Champions League Knockout Phase Play-Off Draw?
The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled to commence at 11am GMT on Friday, 30 January 2026. The event will be held in Nyon, Switzerland, UEFA's headquarters. This draw specifically includes teams that finished between ninth and 24th place in the League Phase, while the top eight sides have already qualified directly for the last 16, granting them a valuable rest in a congested fixture schedule.
Which Teams Are in the Champions League Knockout Phase Play-Off Draw?
A total of 16 teams will participate in the play-off draw, with their final positions to be decided on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, following the last round of League Phase fixtures. Arsenal are assured of finishing first or second, and Bayern Munich have also secured a last 16 spot. All other clubs, except for the eliminated Eintracht Frankfurt, Slavia Prague, Villarreal, and Kairat Almaty, remain in contention for either a top eight place or a berth in the play-offs.
Currently, Liverpool (fourth), Spurs (fifth), Newcastle (seventh), and Chelsea (eighth) are positioned to claim an automatic route to the last 16. In contrast, Manchester City (11th) must rely on other results to climb into the top eight and avoid the play-offs. Additional teams hoping to break into the top eight after the final round include Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund, adding to the suspense and competitive edge.
How Can I Watch the Draw?
Football enthusiasts can watch the Champions League knockout phase play-off draw live through multiple platforms. The draw will be streamed directly on UEFA's official website and the Champions League app. For comprehensive coverage, Independent Sport will host a live blog providing real-time results from the draw and the latest reactions as events unfold.
How Will the Champions League Knockout Phase Play-Off Draw Work?
The draw mechanism is structured to pair clubs based on their League Phase standings, creating a fair and competitive setup. There will be four seeded pairs: positions 9 and 10, 11 and 12, 13 and 14, and 15 and 16. Correspondingly, four unseeded pairs will consist of positions 17 and 18, 19 and 20, 21 and 22, and 23 and 24.
Clubs in each seeded pair will be drawn against an unseeded pair, with specific matchups as follows: clubs 9 or 10 will face clubs 23 or 24, clubs 11 or 12 will meet clubs 21 or 22, clubs 13 or 14 will play clubs 19 or 20, and clubs 15 or 16 will compete against clubs 17 or 18. Notably, teams from the same national association or those that have already encountered each other in the League Phase are permitted to be drawn together in the play-offs.
When Will the Knockout Phase Play-Off Ties Take Place?
The play-off ties will be contested over two legs, with the seeded team designated to host the return leg at home. The first legs are scheduled for 17-18 February, followed by the second legs on 24-25 February. This format ensures a balanced and thrilling conclusion to determine which eight teams progress further in the tournament.
When is the Round of 16 Draw?
The eight victorious teams from the knockout phase play-offs will advance to the round of 16 draw, which is set for Friday, 27 February. This subsequent draw will pair these qualifiers with the top eight sides from the League Phase, marking the next exciting phase in the Champions League journey towards European glory.
