The league phase draw for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League takes place on Thursday, 28 August, in Monaco, starting at 5pm UK time[1][2][3]. This will mark the second season under the new format, featuring a 36-team single league phase instead of the traditional group-stage system[2].
Each team will be drawn against eight different opponents—two from each of the four seeded pots—ensuring they face a mix of teams with varying UEFA coefficient rankings[1][2]. Unlike previous formats, clubs may also be drawn to play against teams from their own seeding pot, removing the previous advantage of being placed in Pot 1[2].
After the draw, UEFA will publish the complete fixture list, with the league phase kicking off on 16–18 September and concluding the final round on 28 January. The new system means all 18 games on the final matchday will be played simultaneously[2].
There were still four playoff matches to be completed prior to assigning the final four teams to the draw, but the majority of pots had been finalized as of Wednesday[1][2]. Clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, returning after three seasons away, await confirmation of whether they’ll be placed in Pot 2 or Pot 3, with placements determined by UEFA’s club coefficient standings[1].
Seedings, groupings, and specific draw procedures are made available on the official UEFA website from 08:30 CET on draw day, ensuring fans and clubs alike have the latest details as the new Champions League journey begins[3].