The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League draw is set to take place on Thursday, August 28, in Monaco. This highly anticipated event will determine the fixtures for the upcoming season, featuring 36 teams, including defending champions Paris Saint-Germain. Here’s everything you need to know about the draw and the tournament schedule.

When is the Draw?

The draw ceremony will begin at 12:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM UK on August 28. Last year, the draw lasted 75 minutes, with UEFA also presenting the 2024-25 awards during the ceremony.

Draw Format

The new league phase format, introduced last season, will continue in 2025-26. Each team will be drawn to play eight fixtures, facing two teams from each pot. Teams from the same country cannot face each other in the league phase, ensuring a diverse range of matchups.

Key Dates for the Tournament

Here are the matchdays for the 2025-26 Champions League:

• Matchday 1: September 16-18
• Matchday 2: September 30 - October 1
• Matchday 3: October 21-22
• Matchday 4: November 4-5
• Matchday 5: November 25-26
• Matchday 6: December 9-10
• Matchday 7: January 20-21
• Matchday 8: January 28

Kickoff Times

Matches will kick off at 12:55 PM ET / 5:45 PM UK or 3:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM UK, depending on the fixture.

When Will Fixtures Be Released?

The full fixture list will be released on Saturday, August 30, two days after the draw.

Knockout Stage Draws

• Knockout Playoff Round Draw: Friday, January 30
• Round of 16 and Knockout Bracket Draw: Friday, February 27

What’s New in 2025-26?

The league phase format ensures that each team plays a broader range of opponents, increasing the excitement and unpredictability of the tournament. Teams will face a maximum of two clubs from the same country, adding to the competitive balance.

Stay tuned for more updates as the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League season approaches!