The anticipation surrounding the release of the Champions League fixtures is always high, marking a key moment for clubs and fans alike as they begin to map out their European campaign. For the 2025/26 season, the schedule is taking shape following the league phase draw that occurred on August 28, 2025.
This year's draw, held in Monaco, determined the matchups for the new 36-team league phase. This revamped format, expanded from the previous 32-team group stage, guarantees more matches and a different competitive landscape. Instead of the traditional group stage, teams will participate in a single league table, facing eight different opponents.
With the draw now concluded, the focus shifts to the official release of the match schedule. While the draw determined the opponents, the precise dates and kick-off times are typically confirmed shortly after. UEFA usually finalizes the schedule within 24 to 48 hours of the draw, meaning fans can expect the complete fixture list by Friday, August 29, or Saturday, August 30.
The league phase itself is set to kick off in mid-September. Matchday 1 is scheduled for September 16-18, 2025, setting the stage for months of thrilling European football. The subsequent matchdays are distributed throughout the autumn and winter, with Matchday 2 on September 30-October 1, Matchday 3 on October 21-22, Matchday 4 on November 4-5, Matchday 5 on November 25-26, and Matchday 6 on December 9-10. The final two matchdays of the league phase will take place in January 2026, with Matchday 7 on January 20-21 and Matchday 8 on January 28.
The top eight teams from the league phase will automatically advance to the round of 16. Teams ranked 9th to 24th will enter a knockout play-off round, adding another layer of competition. The teams finishing 25th to 36th will be eliminated from the competition.
Looking further ahead, the knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled for January 30, 2026. The draw for the round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals will take place on February 27, 2026. The knockout phase play-offs are set for February 17-18 and 24-25, followed by the round of 16 on March 10-11 and 17-18. The quarter-finals are slated for April 7-8 and 14-15, with the semi-finals on April 28-29 and May 5-6. The Champions League final will be held on May 30, 2026, at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.
For clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham, who have secured their place in the league phase, the fixture release is a crucial moment to strategize and prepare for the challenges ahead.
In summary, while the Champions League league phase draw has already occurred on August 28, the official fixture list, with specific dates and times, is expected to be released by August 30. The first matches of the league phase will then commence on September 16-18, marking the beginning of another exciting Champions League season.
