When and what time is the 2025/26 Champions League knockout phase play-off draw?

As the final games of the 25-26 UEFA Champions League group stage unfold, there will be a series of major objectives on the line for the majority of the 36 participants. First and foremost, a finish in the top eight positions is high on the agenda which means that these teams ensure top seeding come the Round of 16 but it also means avoiding the two legged play-off game in February.

For the teams that ensure survival in the competition within that ninth-24th place finish, clubs will be anxious to ensure a high as possible finish with teams in positions 9 and 10, 11 and 12, 13 and 14, and 15 and 16 securing a better seeding and will face teams one of the four unseeded pairs (positions 17 and 18, 19 and 20, 21 and 22, and 23 and 24 with the second leg at the home of the seeded side.

No restrictions for play-off round

Teams can face another team from the same national association in the knockout phase play-offs and clubs could also face opponents they met during the league phase.

Ties take place over two legs and the seeded team will play the return leg at home and each club will, play once on a Tuesday and once on a Wednesday. There will be two paths (silver and blue) which means that the team in 9th/10th will play the side who finishes in 23rd/24th place depending on the ‘path’.

The eight clubs that prevail in the knockout phase play-offs will progress to the round of 16 where the top eight teams from the group stage await.

The play-off games will be staged on February 17/18 with the second legs earmarked for February 24/25.

Play-off draw: times and date

The knockout phase play-off draw for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League takes place on Friday 30 January.

It will be held at 12:00 local Nyon time which is 06:00 ET and 03:00 PT.

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