ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: UEFA Champions League 2025/26
Europe’s premier club competition returns for its 71st edition and the 34th season since its rebrand as the UEFA Champions League. The 2025/26 campaign began on 8 July 2025 with qualifying rounds and will conclude with the final in Budapest, Hungary, on 30 May 2026.
Please note: all dates remain subject to change.
Which teams have reached the league phase?
A total of 36 clubs will contest the newly expanded league phase.
England: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham (Europa League winners), Newcastle
Spain: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid, Athletic Club, Villarreal
Italy: Napoli, Inter, Atalanta, Juventus
Germany: Bayern München, Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Dortmund
France: Paris Saint-Germain (Champions League holders), Marseille, Monaco
Netherlands: PSV, Ajax
Portugal: Benfica*, Sporting CP
Belgium: Club Brugge*, Union Saint-Gilloise
Türkiye: Galatasaray
Czechia: Slavia Praha
Greece: Olympiacos
Denmark: Copenhagen*
Norway: Bodø/Glimt*
Cyprus: Pafos*
Kazakhstan: Kairat Almaty*
Azerbaijan: Qarabağ*
*Qualified via play-offs
- 29 clubs qualified automatically through domestic league positions or by winning the Champions League (Paris Saint-Germain) or Europa League (Tottenham).
- 2 additional clubs were admitted via the European Performance Spots.
- 7 places were filled through the qualifying rounds.
The list above remains provisional, pending licensing and disciplinary approvals. Russian clubs continue to be suspended from UEFA competitions.
Key Dates – League Phase Fixtures
- 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 Schedule
- 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
Draw Dates
- First qualifying round: 17 June 2025
- Second qualifying round: 18 June 2025
- Third qualifying round: 21 July 2025
- Play-offs: 4 August 2025
- League phase: 28 August 2025
- Knockout play-offs: 30 January 2026
- Round of 16 to Final: 27 February 2026
The 2026 Final
The Puskás Aréna in Budapest will host the showpiece final on 30 May 2026. Having staged the UEFA Europa League final in 2023, this will be its first time hosting the Champions League’s climax, marking a historic occasion for Hungarian football.
What is at Stake?
- The winners lift the 7.5kg, 73.5cm Champions League trophy.
- Automatic qualification for the 2026/27 Champions League league phase (if not already secured domestically).
- A place in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup against the Europa League winners.
Qualifying Process Recap
- 29 teams progressed directly to the league phase.
- 7 additional spots were earned through the qualifying rounds, structured by association coefficient rankings.
- All ties were played over two legs, concluding with the play-offs in August 2025.
Qualifying dates:
- First round: 8–9 & 15–16 July 2025
- Second round: 22–23 & 29–30 July 2025
- Third round: 5–6 & 12 August 2025
- Play-offs: 19–20 & 26–27 August 2025
This season’s competition combines historic pedigree, tactical intrigue, and the excitement of new entrants, as Europe’s elite pursue the most prestigious prize in club football.
