UEFA Champions League 2025–26: Fixtures & Updates

The UEFA Champions League is the biggest club football tournament in Europe. Every season, it brings together the best teams from across the continent to compete for the famous trophy. The 2025–26 season is extra exciting because of its new format. Fans want to know everything about the UEFA Champions League fixtures, from the starting dates to the final in Budapest.

In this guide, you will find all the details about the Champions League schedule, important match dates, the new format, and how the UEFA Champions League games will be played this season.

UEFA Champions League Fixtures 2025–26: Key Details

  • The UEFA Champions League fixtures for the new season started on 16 September 2025.
  • The league phase runs until 28 January 2026.
  • The final will be played on 30 May 2026 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.

Unlike the old system, this year there are no traditional groups. Instead, all 36 teams are placed in one big league table. Each team plays eight different opponents—four matches at home and four away.

This change makes the UEFA Champions League schedule more competitive and gives fans more variety in matches.

UEFA Champions League fixtures

Champions League Schedule: Matchdays

Here is a look at the confirmed Champions League schedule for the league phase:

MatchdayDatesNotes
116–18 September 2025Opening fixtures – top European clubs kick off the season
230 September – 1 October 2025Teams play their second round of matches
321–22 October 2025Mid-season battles start to shape the table
44–5 November 2025Important games before the winter break
525–26 November 2025Teams fight for key points
69–10 December 2025Last fixtures of the year
720–21 January 2026Action resumes after the new year
827–28 January 2026Final league phase matches


This new UEFA Champions League schedule ensures that every matchday has big games between Europe’s top clubs.

champions league schedule

UEFA Champions League Games: Teams Involved

A total of 36 teams are part of the 2025–26 season. These clubs come from across Europe’s top leagues, including the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1.

Some of the biggest names playing in the UEFA Champions League games include:

  • England: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Newcastle United.
  • SpainReal MadridBarcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Real Sociedad.
  • ItalyInter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, and Napoli.
  • Germany: Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig.
  • France: Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco.

Fans can expect high-quality Champions League games every matchday with these teams.

UEFA Champions League Dates: Important Rounds

The season is spread across several months. Here are the most important UEFA Champions League dates:

  • League Phase: 16 September 2025 – 28 January 2026
  • Knockout Play-offs: 10–18 February 2026
  • Round of 16: 3–11 March 2026
  • Quarter-finals: 7–15 April 2026
  • Semi-finals: 28 April – 6 May 2026
  • Final: 30 May 2026 in Budapest

These UEFA Champions League dates are key for fans who want to follow their favorite teams closely.

New Format Explained

The UEFA Champions League fixtures have changed due to the new format:

  • Each of the 36 teams plays 8 matches against 8 different opponents.
  • The top 8 teams in the league table qualify directly for the Round of 16.
  • Teams ranked 9th–24th go into a knockout play-off round.
  • The bottom teams are eliminated.

This makes the Champions League schedule tougher because every game matters. Fans will see more top-level matches compared to the old group stage.

uefa champions league trophy

Broadcast and Where to Watch the Champions League 2025–26

Fans around the world can enjoy the UEFA Champions League 2025–26 through official broadcasters and online streaming platforms. UEFA partners with top sports networks across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas to ensure global coverage. In addition, UEFA’s own platform, UEFA.tv, offers highlights, live updates, and exclusive content.

This makes it easy for fans to follow the Champions League schedule, watch their favorite clubs, and never miss any of the thrilling UEFA Champions League games.

Why Following the Fixtures Matters

  • The UEFA Champions League fixtures tell you when your favorite club is playing.
  • The Champions League schedule helps fans plan their match viewing.
  • Tracking the UEFA Champions League games shows how teams are performing.
  • The UEFA Champions League dates help fans keep up with the knockout stages and final.

Conclusion

The 2025–26 season of the UEFA Champions League promises to be thrilling with its new format, busy Champions League schedule, and exciting matches across Europe. With 36 top teams, new fixtures, and clear UEFA Champions League dates, fans have a lot to look forward to. This season could bring new surprises, classic rivalries, and unforgettable moments on the road to Budapest.

Don’t miss a single update from the UEFA Champions League fixtures. With Xplooya, you can explore schedules, track live scores, and get match insights all in one place.

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FAQ’s

What is the format for the Champions League 2025–26?

The 2025–26 Champions League uses the new league phase instead of the old group stage. There are 36 teams, and each one plays eight different opponents — four matches at home and four away.

How many matches will each team play in the Champions League 2025–26?

Each team will play eight matches in the league phase, not against the same three teams twice, but against eight different teams.

Is the Round of 16 a knockout stage?

Yes, the Round of 16 is part of the knockout stage.