Champions League Draw for 2025-26 Season – When, Where, Teams for League Phase, and More

The UEFA Champions League play-offs are almost complete, with the final few spots set to be decided this week. Attention now turns to the eagerly awaited league phase draw, which will officially launch the 2025-26 edition of Europe’s premier club competition.

Some of the biggest names in world football, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich, are preparing to learn their fixtures in what promises to be another thrilling season. Holders Paris Saint-Germain, fresh off their maiden triumph, will also be aiming to defend their crown.

Arsenal's NIGHTMARE Champions League draw! 🫣

The UCL returns soon, and with the League Phase draw on Thursday, we had a look at who some sides could get… 👀🤔

The Gunners are in Pot 2, meaning they play two of Europe's best sides. Here is Arteta's WORST case scenario! 😱🔴 pic.twitter.com/roYeRxDm1E
— Sleeper Football (@SleeperFooty) August 26, 2025

When and Where is the Draw?

The draw will take place on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 6pm local time (5pm BST / 12pm EDT).

For the second year running, the Champions League will feature the league phase format instead of the traditional group stage. A total of 36 clubs will participate, seeded into four pots of nine teams each based on UEFA’s club coefficient rankings.

During the ceremony, dignitaries will manually draw the clubs into the schedule, after which UEFA’s software will generate eight opponents for each team. Every side will face two teams from each of the four pots, ensuring a balanced and competitive schedule. Importantly, teams cannot be drawn against clubs from their own country and can only face a maximum of two teams from the same league.

Champions League Draw Live Streaming Details

Fans worldwide will be able to follow the action. In the UK, the draw will be shown live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 5pm BST. A live stream will also be available via Discovery+ and UEFA.com. TNT Sports’ official YouTube channel will show the ceremony for free.

In Canada and New Zealand, DAZN will broadcast the event live, and will also provide on-demand replays. The platform is the exclusive broadcaster of the Champions League in both regions, showing every game throughout the season.

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Which are the teams for the Champions League 2025-26?

The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League will see 36 teams compete in the expanded league phase, featuring Europe’s biggest clubs and some surprise entrants. Title holders Paris Saint-Germain lead the way, with Olympiacos earning a direct spot via the Champions League winner rebalancing. England, Spain, Italy, and Germany each send four representatives, while other nations like Portugal, Belgium, Türkiye, and Czechia also have their champions in the mix. Two additional spots come from European performance, with the final places to be decided in the qualifying rounds.

Confirmed teams so far:

England: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea
Italy: Napoli, Inter, Atalanta, Juventus
Spain: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid, Athletic Club
Germany: Bayern München, Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund
France: Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, Monaco
Netherlands: PSV, Ajax
Portugal: Sporting CP
Belgium: Union Saint-Gilloise
Türkiye: Galatasaray
Czechia: Slavia Praha
Rebalancing: Olympiacos
European Performance Spots: Newcastle United, Villarreal
Qualifying Rounds – Champions Path (so far): Bodø/Glimt, Kairat Almaty, Pafos, Qarabağ, Copenhagen
Qualifying Rounds – League Path: Benfica, Club Brugge