When is the draw for the 2025/26 Champions League round of 16?

The league phase of the 2025/26 Champions League wraps up on Wednesday, January 28, when eight teams will secure automatic spots in the round of 16. The other 16 teams must navigate an additional playoff round to qualify for the knockout stages.

2025-26 Champions League league phase: format and qualification

Before we get to the draw, here’s a quick reminder.

After Matchday 8, the top eight teams in the league phase will qualify automatically for the first knockout round, which is the round of 16.

The remaining eight spots will be decided through the knockout phase playoffs. Teams finishing ninth through 16th will be seeded, while those ranked 17th through 24th will be unseeded.

The bottom 12 teams in the league phase will be eliminated from the competition entirely. Unlike the previous format, these teams will not drop into the Europa League. For them, European soccer is over until next season at the earliest.

When is the draw for the round of 16?

The round of 16 draw takes place on February 27. The bracket for the entire knockout stage will be decided on that date.

The first legs of the two-legged ties will be played on Tuesday, March 11, and Wednesday, March 12, with the return legs following the next week on Tuesday, March 18, and Wednesday, March 19.

But by the end of league phase on Wednesday, only eight of the round of 16 participants will be known.

When is the draw for the knockout phase playoffs?

The knockout phase playoffs, also played over two legs, will determine the eight remaining teams that advance to the round of 16.

The playoff draw is scheduled for Friday, January 30.

When are the 2025-26 knockout phase playoffs played?

We don’t have to wait long for the playoffs to begin. The first legs will be played on Tuesday, February 17, and Wednesday, February 18. Return games follow the next week on Tuesday, February 24, and Wednesday, February 25.

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.