The stage is set in Monaco as European football braces for a new chapter.
On Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 5 pm UK time (12 pm ET), the UEFA Champions League draw will unfold at the Grimaldi Forum, ushering in the brand-new “League Phase” era of the competition.
Fans can tune in live on TNT Sports, Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, and UEFA.com’s free stream to witness the moment Europe’s elite discover their fates.
A Bold New Format
Forget the old group stage—this season introduces the expanded 36-team League Phase. Each side will play eight matches (four home, four away) against eight different opponents.
The draw pairs clubs from four seeded pots, based on UEFA coefficients:
Two opponents from each pot
No matches against teams from the same country
No more than two rivals from a single nation
This design promises unprecedented matchups, drama, and tactical puzzles across Europe.
How the Draw Works
It’s part old-school, part high-tech: teams are drawn manually before computer software ensures all restrictions are respected. Reigning champions, UEFA’s top-ranked clubs, and rising challengers will all discover their league journeys in Monaco.
Road to Budapest: Who Advances?
The new system raises the stakes at every level:
Top 8 teams → Automatic ticket to the Round of 16.
9th–24th place → Enter two-legged playoffs for the remaining slots.
25th–36th → Knocked out of Europe entirely.
From there, the tournament reverts to its familiar knockout thrill ride, all building toward the grand final in Budapest on May 30, 2026.
Key Dates for Your Calendar
League Phase: Sep 16, 2025 – Jan 28, 2026
Knockout Playoffs: Feb 17–25, 2026
Round of 16: Mar 10–18, 2026
Quarter-finals: Apr 7–15, 2026
Semi-finals: Apr 28 – May 6, 2026
Final (Budapest): May 30, 2026
Why This Year Feels Different
For the first time in decades, the Champions League is rewriting its playbook—expanding the field, ensuring fresh clashes, and raising the competitiveness. Fans can expect clash-of-the-titans fixtures earlier than ever, surprise runs from underdogs, and a league table that will keep everyone guessing until the last whistle.
The countdown is on: Europe’s greatest showpiece is ready for takeoff.
