Champions League round of 16: Possible opponents for Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and more

Five Premier League teams have qualified directly for the 2025-26 Champions League round of 16, while a sixth could still join them via the knockout phase playoffs.

Arsenal lead the way with a perfect run

Arsenal topped the league phase standings with a perfect record, becoming the first team since the format change to win all eight games in the opening round.

The Gunners had already secured qualification for the last 16 before Matchday 8. They were then joined by Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City, all of whom recorded the results they needed to finish inside the top eight.

Newcastle’s fate still undecided

The only one of the six Premier League teams not guaranteed a place in the round of 16 is Newcastle. Eddie Howe’s side can still qualify, but they must first come through the knockout phase playoffs.

How the Swiss model shapes the draw

The Champions League’s current Swiss model format means there is now a clearer picture of what the knockout phase could look like, even if the exact ties are not yet known. There is no country protection, and teams can be drawn against opponents they already faced during the league phase.

Knockout phase playoff

To reach the round of 16, Newcastle will have to get past either Monaco or Qarabag in the playoff round. The draw to determine their opponent takes place on Friday, January 30.

Possible round of 16 matchups

If Newcastle defeat Monaco or Qarabag over two legs, six English teams would be among the final 16 contenders for the Champions League trophy. These are the potential round of 16 matchups for the Premier League clubs:

• Newcastle (if they qualify) vs. Barcelona or Chelsea
• Chelsea vs. Monaco, Qarabag, PSG or Newcastle
• Liverpool vs. Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Juventus or Atlético Madrid
• Tottenham vs. Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Juventus or Atlético Madrid
• Manchester City vs. Bodø/Glimt, Benfica, Real Madrid or Inter
• Arsenal vs. Borussia Dortmund, Olympiacos, Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen

2025-26 Champions League knockout stage schedule

Knockout phase playoffs

Draw: January 30

First legs: February 17-18

Second legs: February 24-25

Round of 16

Draw: February 27

First legs: March 11-12

Second legs: March 18-19

Quarterfinals

Draw: February 27

First legs: April 7-8

Second legs: April 14-15

Semifinals

Draw: February 27

First legs: April 28-29

Second legs: May 5-6

Final

May 30 at Puskás Arena in Budapest, Hungary

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.