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The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League will begin on July 8, 2025, and conclude with the final in Budapest, Hungary, on May 30, 2026[1][3]. This season marks the tournament’s 71st edition and 34th since it was renamed the UEFA Champions League[1].

The most significant update is the *format change* that took effect from the 2024/25 season: instead of the traditional group stage, there is now a league phase featuring 36 teams, an increase from the previous 32[2][4][6]. Each club plays eight matches against eight different opponents—four at home and four away—rather than facing three opponents twice[4][6]. Teams are drawn into the league phase according to four seeding pots based on UEFA coefficients[4][8].

The top eight teams after the league phase will qualify directly for the round of 16[4][6]. Teams finishing between ninth and 24th will enter a two-legged knockout play-off to determine the remaining eight places in the round of 16; those finishing 25th or lower are eliminated from European competition entirely[4][6]. Teams placed ninth to 16th will be seeded in the play-off and play the second leg at home[4].

Premier League clubs are set to benefit as England has gained a sixth qualification spot for this season, thanks to UEFA coefficient rankings[3]. Paris Saint-Germain are the defending champions, both as UCL holders and as automatic qualifiers from their domestic league[1][3].

The key dates for the league phase are:

  • 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 draw for the league phase will take place on August 28, 2025[4].

Qualifying rounds and the play-off round will be staged between July and August 2025, with 29 teams qualifying directly and the final seven league phase spots coming from qualifiers[1]. Seeding and match allocation follow UEFA’s coefficient and draw regulations[7].

For live fixtures, results, and club news, coverage is available on major sports broadcasters and UEFA’s official channels[5].

References

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