2025/26 UEFA Champions League: Full Guide to Draws, Fixtures & the Road to Budapest

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The UEFA Champions League is back with its brand-new expanded format, and the 2025/26 edition promises to be another rollercoaster. UEFA has already confirmed the draw dates, fixture windows, and the grand final venue.

Here’s your complete guide from the league phase right through to the big night in Budapest.

Key Draw Dates​

• League-phase draw: Thursday 28 August 2025 (Monaco).
• Knockout play-off draw: Friday 30 January 2026.
• Round of 16, quarter-final & semi-final draws: Friday 27 February 2026.

These dates are locked in the UEFA calendar, keep them circled!

League Phase Schedule​

This season we’ll see 36 clubs in one giant league table. Each team plays eight matches (two against opponents from each seeding pot). The top 8 advance straight to the Round of 16, while teams ranked 9–24 fight through the knockout play-offs.

Here’s how the league phase unfolds:

• 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 (final round): 28 January 2026 (all matches kick off together)

Expect drama on MD8, with every club battling for points at the same time.

Knockout Rounds​

The new Champions League doesn’t pause after January — it heats up:

• Knockout 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

Each stage will be drawn in advance, setting the full knockout path.

The Grand Finale: Budapest 2026​

The journey ends at one of Europe’s most stunning arenas:

• Final Date: Saturday 30 May 2026
• Kick-off: 18:00 CET (new earlier slot)
• Venue: Puskás Aréna, Budapest (Hungary)

Hungary’s capital will take center stage as Europe crowns its next champions.

What’s New This Season?​

UEFA’s format revamp continues:

• 36 teams in one league table (instead of 32 in groups).
• More big clashes early — with the Swiss-style draw ensuring variety.
• A simultaneous final matchday for maximum drama.

With these changes, every fixture counts more than ever.

Final Thoughts​

The 2025/26 Champions League calendar is now set, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. From September’s league-phase opener to May’s Budapest final, we’re in for months of high-stakes football, unforgettable nights, and history in the making.

Who are you backing to go all the way this season? Drop your predictions below