UEFA Champions League: Livescore

UEFA Champions League 2025/26: Format, Schedule & Teams

The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 features 36 teams competing in a new Swiss-system league format that replaces the traditional group stage. Each team plays eight matches against eight different opponents - two teams from each of the four seeding pots, with one home and one away fixture per pot.

League Phase Schedule

• Matchday 1: 16–18 September 2025
• Matchday 2: 30 September – 1 October 2025
• Matchday 3: 21–22 October 2025
• Matchday 4: 4–5 November 2025
• Matchday 5: 25–26 November 2025
• Matchday 6: 9–10 December 2025
• Matchday 7: 20–21 January 2026
• Matchday 8: 28 January 2026

Knockout Phase Dates

• Knockout Phase Play-offs: 17/18 & 24/25 February 2026
• Round of 16: 10/11 & 17/18 March 2026
• Quarter-finals: 7/8 & 14/15 April 2026
• Semi-finals: 28/29 April & 5/6 May 2026
• Final: 30 May 2026 in Budapest, Hungary

Qualification System

Teams finishing 1st-8th advance directly to the Round of 16. Teams ranked 9th-24th compete in knockout play-offs for the remaining eight Round of 16 spots. The bottom 12 teams are eliminated. Follow the latest Champions League standings throughout the competition.

Title Contenders & Key Teams

Current favorites Barcelona and Liverpool lead the betting markets, slightly ahead of defending champions Paris Saint-Germain. Tottenham earned their spot by winning the Europa League, while Arsenal enter with significant new signings aiming for European glory. Chelsea qualified through their Club World Cup triumph and look to establish themselves among Europe's elite.

Participating Teams by Country

England (6): Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Tottenham

Spain (5): Athletic Club, Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal

Italy (4): Atalanta, Inter Milan, Juventus, Napoli

Germany (4): Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt

France (3): Marseille, Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain

Netherlands (2): Ajax, PSV Eindhoven

Portugal (2): Benfica, Sporting CP

Belgium (2): Club Brugge, Union Saint-Gilloise

Other Nations (1 each): Bodø/Glimt (Norway), Copenhagen (Denmark), Galatasaray (Turkey), Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan), Olympiacos (Greece), Pafos FC (Cyprus), Qarabag (Azerbaijan), Slavia Prague (Czech Republic)

UEFA Champions League FAQ