The anticipation is building as football fans across the globe prepare for a pivotal moment in the European club season. The Champions League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled for Friday, 30 January 2026, set to commence at 11am GMT in the picturesque city of Nyon, Switzerland. This event marks a crucial juncture in the tournament, determining the matchups for the next stage of Europe's premier club competition.
Teams and Seeding Details
Sixteen teams will participate in this draw, all of whom finished between ninth and 24th place in the league phase of the Champions League. Notably, the top eight sides, including English powerhouses such as Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester City, have already secured their places directly in the last 16, bypassing this play-off round. Among the seeded teams in the draw are the current holders, Paris Saint-Germain, the record competition winners Real Madrid, and Newcastle United, adding significant prestige and excitement to the proceedings.
Draw Mechanics and Pairing Rules
The draw will pair teams based on their league phase positions, with seeded teams enjoying the advantage of hosting the second leg of their ties. This setup aims to reward higher-performing sides from the earlier stages. Importantly, the draw allows for teams from the same national association to be drawn against each other, and it also permits pairings between sides that have previously met in the competition, adding an extra layer of intrigue and potential for dramatic rematches.
Match Schedule and Next Steps
Following the draw, the first leg matches are slated for 17-18 February 2026, with the return legs scheduled for 24-25 February. These fixtures promise high-stakes football as teams battle for a coveted spot in the round of 16. The eight advancing teams from this play-off round will then enter the next draw for the round of 16, which is set to take place on 27 February, continuing the journey towards the Champions League final.
This draw not only highlights the competitive nature of modern European football but also underscores the strategic nuances involved in tournament progression. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how the pairings unfold, setting the stage for thrilling encounters in the weeks ahead.
