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Champions League 2025/26 Start Date and New Format Details

The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League introduces a fresh format that changes the way Europe’s top club tournament unfolds. The classic group stage is gone, replaced by a league phase that promises extra matches, new rivalries, and intense competition across the continent.

Paris Saint-Germain enters as the reigning champion, while Tottenham Hotspur qualifies as the UEFA Europa League winner. Altogether, 36 clubs will compete, aiming to reach the final showdown in Budapest.

League Phase Schedule

The league phase features eight matchdays where each team faces different opponents:

  • 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 highest-ranked teams from this phase move straight into the Round of 16. Teams finishing mid-table enter knockout play-offs for another chance to progress.

Knockout Stage Dates and Final Venue

The tournament continues with the knockout rounds on these dates:

  • Knockout Play-offs: February 17–18 and February 24–25, 2026
  • Round of 16: March 10–11 and March 17–18, 2026
  • Quarterfinals: April 7–8 and April 14–15, 2026
  • Semifinals: April 28–29 and May 5–6, 2026
  • Final: May 30, 2026 – Puskás Aréna, Budapest

This marks the first time Hungary’s national stadium will host a Champions League final, though it held the 2023 Europa League final previously.

Important Draw Dates

  • First Qualifying Round: June 17, 2025
  • Second Qualifying Round: June 18, 2025
  • Third Qualifying Round: July 21, 2025
  • Play-offs: August 4, 2025
  • League Phase Draw: August 28, 2025
  • Knockout Play-offs Draw: January 30, 2026
  • Round of 16 to Final Draws: February 27, 2026

A Unique Chapter in Champions League History

The expanded format guarantees more fixtures and unexpected matchups right from the start. Big names like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and defending champs PSG all chase European glory, aiming to lift the trophy in Budapest.

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