Europe’s premier club competition returns for its 71st season (and the 34th since it was renamed the UEFA Champions League), promising another thrilling campaign filled with drama, elite talent, and unforgettable moments. Fans can catch all the action live on SuperSport.
The 2025/26 season kicked off on 8 July 2025 and will run until the final at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday, 30 May 2026. Dates are subject to change.
Teams in the 2025/26 League Phase
The league phase features Europe’s top clubs from across the continent:
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, Ajax
Portugal: Benfica*, Sporting CP
Belgium: Club Brugge*, Union Saint-Gilloise
Türkiye: Galatasaray
Czechia: Slavia Praha
Greece: Olympiacos
Denmark: Copenhagen*
Norway: Bodø/Glimt*
Cyprus: Pafos*
Kazakhstan: Kairat Almaty*
Azerbaijan: Qarabağ*
*Play-off winners
A total of 29 teams qualified automatically, either through domestic league placement or as holders of the Champions League (Paris Saint-Germain) or Europa League (Tottenham). Seven additional spots were determined via qualifying rounds, while two were awarded through European Performance Spots.
Note: This list is provisional, based purely on sporting performance, and does not account for potential disciplinary or licensing matters. Russian teams remain suspended from UEFA competitions until further notice.
League Phase Matchdays
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Matchday 1: 16–18 September 2025
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Matchday 2: 30 September–1 October 2025
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Matchday 3: 21–22 October 2025
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Matchday 4: 4–5 November 2025
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Matchday 5: 25–26 November 2025
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Matchday 6: 9–10 December 2025
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Matchday 7: 20–21 January 2026
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Matchday 8: 28 January 2026
Knockout Phase Schedule
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Knockout play-offs: 17–18 & 24–25 February 2026
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Round of 16: 10–11 & 17–18 March 2026
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Quarter-finals: 7–8 & 14–15 April 2026
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Semi-finals: 28–29 April & 5–6 May 2026
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Final: 30 May 2026 (Budapest)
Champions League Draw Dates
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First qualifying round: 17 June 2025
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Second qualifying round: 18 June 2025
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Third qualifying round: 21 July 2025
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Play-offs: 4 August 2025
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League phase: 28 August 2025
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Knockout play-offs: 30 January 2026
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Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals & Final: 27 February 2026
2026 Champions League Final
The Puskás Aréna in Budapest will host the 2026 final on 30 May 2026. This will be the first time Hungary hosts Europe’s top club competition final, though the stadium previously staged the 2023 Europa League final.
What Do Champions League Winners Receive?
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Trophy: 73.5cm tall, weighing 7.5kg
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Next Season Qualification: Winners automatically earn a spot in the 2026/27 Champions League league stage if not qualified via domestic competition
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Super Cup: Winners face the 2025/26 Europa League champions in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup
2025/26 Champions League Qualifying
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Direct qualification: 29 teams entered the league phase automatically
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Qualifying & play-offs: 7 teams secured final spots through multiple rounds, determined by UEFA association club coefficient rankings
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Format: All ties played over two legs
Qualifying Rounds & Play-offs:
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First qualifying round: 8–9 & 15–16 July 2025
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Second qualifying round: 22–23 & 29–30 July 2025
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Third qualifying round: 5–6 & 12 August 2025
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Play-offs: 19–20 & 26–27 August 2025
This season promises to deliver the drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments that define the UEFA Champions League, with Europe’s elite clubs battling it out for glory on the continent’s biggest stage.
