Champions League 2025–26: Draw Date, Time & Broadcast Info

The renowned Champions League anthem will soon be played at stadiums all over the continent as the 2025–2026 season approaches.

In 2024–2025, Paris Saint-Germain put up a spectacular Champions League final performance to close off another captivating season of the legendary competition, which is sure to be filled with shocks and drama.

Qualification for Europe’s top competition is already in progress, and we will soon learn the complete lineup for the league phase, which UEFA first introduced last season as part of their tournament overhaul.

But when will the Champions League teams find out who their opponents will be for next season’s competition? Here’s the latest update regarding the league phase draw.

When Did the 2025–26 Champions League Qualifying Begin?

A number of European powerhouses have already secured their spots in the Champions League based on their performances from last season, yet there are still some openings for the 2025–26 season. Many clubs need to navigate the qualification process to participate in the league phase, with these vital qualifiers having started on 8 July.

The seven teams who will join the 29 clubs that are already guaranteed their place in the league phase are chosen by a play-off after three rounds of qualifying in the Champions League’s preliminary stage.

The two-leg qualifying playoffs will take place from August 19–27.

When is the Champions League League Phase Draw for 2025–2026?

The 2025–26 league phase draw will follow the same structure as the previous season and take place on Thursday, August 28.

After being assigned to one of four seeded pots, each of the 36 teams will be chosen to play two clubs from that pot, with half of their games being played at home and the other half road.

The teams that place ninth through 24th in the league phase compete in a two-leg play-off, while the top eight clubs automatically advance to the round of 16. Teams that finish 25th or lower are not allowed to enter the Europa League and are eliminated entirely.

Which Teams Are Eligible for the Champions League in 2025–2026?

29 of the 36 teams competing for a position in the league phase next season have already secured their spots. With six clubs participating overall after Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League victory, England has the most, while Spain has five.

France has three teams in the league phase, including the defending champions PSG, while Italy and Germany have four clubs vying for domination in Europe. Currently, Portugal, Belgium, Turkey, Czechia, and Greece each have a single club that is assured of playing in Europe’s top league, while the Netherlands has two teams participating.