The Champions League is back-and it’s bigger than ever.
UEFA’s revamped format means more games, more drama, and fewer second chances.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 season: dates, structure, matchdays, and the unmissable games on the calendar-including the final, which is held at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. And if you don’t just want to watch from the couch, you can snag your UEFA tickets and be part of it live.
Introduction to the Competition
The UEFA Champions League stands as the ultimate stage in European club football, bringing together the continent’s elite teams in a battle for glory. Organized by UEFA, this competition is renowned for its high level of play, dramatic moments, and the chance for clubs to etch their names into football history.
This year, the excitement is even greater as 36 teams enter the league phase, promising more games and more opportunities for unforgettable highlights. The defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain, are back to defend their crown, but giants like Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Liverpool are determined to challenge for the title. With so much at stake, the 2025/26 season is set to deliver world-class football and fierce competition from the first game to the final whistle.
Timeline & Structure
Let’s break down how this season is set up.
The 2025/26 season introduces its brand-new Swiss-style league format, a key feature of the revamped schedule. The classic group stage is gone. Instead, 36 teams compete in one league table, each playing 8 different opponents between September and January.
The league phase kicks off on 16 September 2025, with games spread out across eight matchdays until 28 January 2026. After that, the top 24 teams move on to the knockout rounds.
Here’s how it works:
Teams ranked 1-8 after the league phase qualify directly for the Round of 16, based on their performance.
Teams ranked 9-24 enter the Knockout Round Play-offs, also based on their results.
The bottom 12 teams are eliminated from European competition altogether.
Results from the league phase decide which teams advance to the knockout rounds. Statistics from the league phase are used to evaluate team performance and inform rankings.
The Knockout Round Play-offs begin in February 2026, followed by the Round of 16 in March, and culminating in the final on 30 May 2026 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.
Now, here’s something fans often forget…
What about international breaks?
The Champions League must squeeze into an already-packed calendar.
Here are the international windows that interrupt the schedule:
9-17 October 2025 - FIFA Match Window
10-18 November 2025 - FIFA Match Window
These affect game preparation and player rotation, especially for top teams with internationals on their squad.
Clubs will need to manage fatigue and injuries carefully- especially heading into the November and December matchdays.
Key Games to Watch
With 36 teams facing off in a massive league phase, there are plenty of games to circle on your calendar. Key games are shown to fans across various platforms, ensuring you never miss the most anticipated matchups.
Some matchups stand out immediately. Think Manchester City vs Real Madrid, a modern classic. Or Bayern Munich vs Arsenal, two sides with history and something to prove. Fans can access information and updates about these key games through official UEFA platforms, making it easy to stay informed.
![Real Madrid vs. Manchester City](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1200 800"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
ons. 10. des., 21:00 • Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, ES
And keep your eyes on the newcomers. Galatasaray, Celtic, and Red Star Belgrade all bring wild home atmospheres and could cause major upsets. When the giants visit those stadiums, anything can happen. Exclusive content such as match highlights and previews is available for these games, enhancing the fan experience.
Looking for young talent? RB Leipzig, Porto, and Benfica are packed with next-gen stars ready to make headlines. These clubs thrive in the group stage and have the potential to push further.
Oh, and don’t forget the rematches. Clubs that clashed in last season’s knockout rounds could be paired again under the new format.
Champions League 2025/26 matchday schedule
Want to catch your team in action or plan your viewing parties?
Here’s the complete breakdown of every Champions League fixture in 2025 - sorted by date and matchday. This comprehensive list of fixtures helps you stay on top of all the action. Fans can also use apps to keep track of the Champions League schedule and receive updates on match times and results. The Champions League schedule is an integral part of the broader landscape of UEFA competitions, aligning with official events and timelines.
Let’s dive into the calendar!
Matchday 2
30 Sep 2025
1 Oct 2025
Union SG vs Newcastle
Barcelona vs Paris
Matchday 3
21 Oct 2025
Barcelona vs Olympiacos
Kairat Almaty vs Pafos
Leverkusen vs Paris
Union SG vs Inter
Bayer Leverkusen - Paris Saint Germain
22 Oct 2025
Galatasaray vs Bodø/Glimt
Frankfurt vs Liverpool
Monaco vs Tottenham
Bayern München vs Club Brugge
Matchday 4
4 Nov 2025
Slavia Praha vs Arsenal
Paris vs Bayern München
Liverpool vs Real Madrid
Atleti vs Union SG
Tottenham vs Copenhagen
Olympiacos vs PSV
5 Nov 2025
Benfica vs Leverkusen
Club Brugge vs Barcelona
Marseille vs Atalanta
Matchday 5
25 Nov 2025
Galatasaray vs Union SG
B. Dortmund vs Villarreal
Marseille vs Newcastle
26 Nov 2025
Copenhagen vs Kairat Almaty
Paris vs Tottenham
Liverpool vs PSV
Atletico Madrid vs Inter
Frankfurt vs Atalanta
Matchday 6
9 Dec 2025
Kairat Almaty vs Olympiacos
Bayern München vs Sporting CP
Barcelona vs Frankfurt
Tottenham vs Slavia Praha
Union SG vs Marseille
Inter vs Liverpool
10 Dec 2025
B. Dortmund vs Bodø/Glimt
Bayern Leverkusen vs Newcastle
Benfica vs Napoli
Club Brugge vs Arsenal
Athletic Club vs Paris
FAQs
When does the 2025/26 Champions League start?
The league begins on 16 September 2025, with Matchday 1 spread across three days.
How many teams are in the Champions League 2025/26?
There are 36 teams in the league, up from the previous 32 due to the new Swiss format.
When are the Champions League knockout rounds in 2026?
The Knockout Round Play-offs begin in February 2026, followed by the Round of 16 in March.
Where and when is the Champions League final in 2026?
The 2026 Champions League Final will be played on 30 May 2026 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.
Where is the 2026 Champions League Final being played?
The final will be held at Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.
Are there still home and away games in the league phase?
Yes. Each team plays 4 home and 4 away games during the league phase.
Do away goals still count in knockout rounds?
No. The away goals rule was abolished. If ties are level on aggregate, they go to extra time and penalties if needed.
Champions League Final
The Champions League final is the grand finale of the UEFA Champions League - a single, winner-takes-all match that crowns the kings of European football. Played at a neutral venue, the final is watched by millions around the globe, making it one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year.
Final Thoughts
The 2025/26 Champions League is already shaping up to be unforgettable.
With a brand-new structure, intense matchdays, and more top-tier clashes early in the competition, there’s no shortage of excitement. Whether you're watching from home or planning to catch a game live, this schedule has everything you need to stay ahead.
