Champions League 25-26: How does league phase works? Important dates
The Champions League returns with its league phase format again, where 36 teams will compete in a single table. Only the top eight clubs will automatically qualify for the knockout stage, while those finishing from ninth to 24th will battle for their survival in a two-legged play-off.
The Champions League is back, and so is UEFA's new league-phase format, which is now in its second year. Here's a breakdown of how the 2025/26 season will work, from the new-look group stage to the final in Budapest. The familiar format of eight groups has been replaced with a single 36-club league table. Each team will play eight matches against different opponents, with four home games and four away games. A standard three points are awarded for a win, and one for a draw.
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This new system changes the path to the knockout stage. The top eight teams in the final standings will automatically qualify for the Round of 16. Meanwhile, clubs that finish from ninth to 24th must compete in a two-legged play-off to earn their place in the next round. The bottom 12 teams are eliminated from European competition entirely and will not have the safety net of dropping into the Europa League.
The favorites to win it all
According to Opta's supercomputer, the Premier League is home to the top contenders for the trophy. Liverpool is ranked as the most likely winner with a 20.4% chance, followed closely by Arsenal at 14.5%. Both English clubs are given an over 93% chance of advancing directly to the Round of 16.
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Surprisingly, 2023 champions Manchester City are considered only the fifth-most likely winner with an 8.6% chance. Chelsea is not far behind with a 7.3% chance of taking home the title.
What it takes to qualify
Based on last season's results, there's a clear benchmark for advancing. A team needed approximately 16 points to finish in the top eight and secure automatic qualification. A total of 10 points was usually enough to guarantee a spot in the play-offs, while teams with less than eight points were at serious risk of elimination.
Key dates for the 2025-26 season
- Matchday 1: September 16-18, 2025
- Matchday 2: September 30 - October 1, 2025
- Matchday 3: October 21-22, 2025
- Matchday 4: November 4-5, 2025
- Matchday 5: November 25-26, 2025
- Matchday 6: December 9-10, 2025
- Matchday 7: January 20-21, 2026
- Matchday 8: January 28, 2026
When are the 2025-26 Champions League knockout stages?
- Play-off draw: January 30, 2026
- Knockout play-offs: February 17-18 and 24-25, 2026
- Round of 16: March 10-11 and 17-18, 2026
- Quarter-finals: April 7-8 and 14-15, 2026
- Semi-finals: April 28-29 and May 5-6, 2026
- Final: Saturday, May 30, 2026
The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League Final will take place in Budapest at the Puskas Arena on Saturday, May 30th.
