UEFA Champions League 2025/26: Format, Teams, Dates, and Key Information

Globall GoalPost September 16, 2025

The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League marks the 71st season of Europe's premier club football competition and the second under the revamped 36-team league phase format. This season promises an exciting journey from the league phase commencing on 16 September 2025 to the grand final in Budapest on 30 May 2026.

New Format: 36-Team League Phase

The UEFA Champions League has undergone a significant format change, expanding from 32 to 36 teams. Each team now plays eight matches in a single league phase, facing opponents from different pots. The top eight teams advance directly to the knockout stage, while teams ranked 9th to 24th enter a playoff to secure their spot in the Round of 16. This new structure aims to increase competitiveness and provide more high-quality fixtures.

Qualified Teams

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A total of 36 teams have qualified for the 2025/26 league phase:

England: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, 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, Marseille, Monaco

Netherlands: PSV Eindhoven, Ajax

Portugal: Benfica, Sporting CP

Belgium: Union Saint-Gilloise, Club Brugge

Turkey: Galatasaray

Czech Republic: Slavia Praha

Greece: Olympiacos

Denmark: Copenhagen

Norway: Bodø/Glimt

Cyprus: Pafos

Kazakhstan: Kairat Almaty

Azerbaijan: Qarabağ

These teams secured their places through domestic league positions, previous Champions League or Europa League victories, and performance in qualifying rounds.

Key Dates

League Phase Kick-off: 16 September 2025

Matchdays:

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:

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 at Puskás Aréna, Budapest

Final Venue: Puskás Aréna, Budapest

The Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary, will host the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League final. This state-of-the-art stadium, named after legendary Hungarian footballer Ferenc Puskás, offers a modern and vibrant setting for Europe's most prestigious club football match.

Conclusion

The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League introduces an exciting new format with 36 teams competing in a league phase, leading to more dynamic matchups and increased opportunities for clubs across Europe. With top-tier teams from England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and beyond, this season promises to deliver thrilling football action culminating in a memorable final at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.