The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League will mark the 71st edition of Europe’s premier club football competition and the 34th season since its rebranding from the European Champion Clubs’ Cup. This will also be the second campaign under the tournament’s revamped format, introduced in May 2022.
The final is scheduled for May 30, 2026, with the venue yet to be confirmed. The champions of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League will earn automatic qualification for the league phase of the 2026-27 tournament. Additionally, they will secure a spot in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup against the UEFA Europa League winners, the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and potentially the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
Format
The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League competition format features 36 clubs competing in a single league phase. This expansion offers more matchups, greater intensity, and increased opportunities for top clubs. With adjustments to the qualification process, additional spots will be awarded to high-performing teams, ensuring a more competitive lineup. The revamped knockout stage will include playoff rounds, with matchups determined in part by league phase rankings—making every game crucial. Running from September to January with designated matchweeks to minimize scheduling conflicts, the Champions League competition format promises nonstop football excitement from start to finish. For more details, check out the Champions League 2025/26 Format page.
Schedule
The group stage matches start from 16th of September 2025. Here is the schedule:
| Phase | Round | Draw date | First leg | Second leg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying | First qualifying round | TBA | TBA | 1TBA |
| Second qualifying round | TBA | TBA | TBA | |
| Third qualifying round | TBA | TBA | TBA | |
| Play-offs | Play-off round | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| League stage | Matchday 1 | TBA | TBA | |
| Matchday 2 | TBA | |||
| Matchday 3 | TBA | |||
| Matchday 4 | TBA | |||
| Matchday 5 | TBA | |||
| Matchday 6 | TBA | |||
| Matchday 7 | TBA | |||
| Matchday 8 | TBA | |||
| Knockout phase | Knockout round play-offs | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Round of 16 | TBA | TBA | ||
| Quarter-finals | TBA | TBA | ||
| Semi-finals | TBA | TBA | ||
| Final | 30 May 2026 (TBA) | |||
Rewards for Winning the UEFA Champions League 2025/26
The UEFA Champions League 25/26 champion receives a number of rewards and prizes, including:
- The iconic UEFA Champions League Trophy
- Prize Money (Expected to be around EUR 20 million)
- Automatic Qualification for UEFA Champions League 2026/27
- A place in the UEFA Super Cup
- A place in the FIFA Club World Cup
Tickets
The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 ticket sales phase is expected to begin in Summer 2025. The price ranges for UCL 25/26 is between €50 to €800 depending on the seat category and competition stages.
Check out the Tickets for Champions League 2025/26 for more details
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