Champions League Knockout Draws Are Set for New Format

The Champions League knockout draws are happening soon. The first draw for the new play-off round is on January 30, 2026. The draw for the Round of 16 and later games is on February 27, 2026. A new play-off round will decide which teams join the top clubs.
By Newsroom | Football, Europe |

The dates for the upcoming Champions League knockout stage draws have been set, following the conclusion of the league phase. With a new format in place for the 2025/26 season, teams are vying for a place in the Round of 16 through a newly established knockout play-off round. The draws will determine the matchups for both the play-offs and the subsequent Round of 16, shaping the path towards the final.

The Champions League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026. The draw for the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final will take place on February 27, 2026.

When is the Champions League last-16 knockout stage draw? - 1

Draw Details and Format Clarification

The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League season introduces a knockout play-off round. Teams finishing between ninth and 24th in the league phase will compete in these play-offs. The victors of these ties will then advance to face the top eight teams, who have directly qualified for the Round of 16. This structure replaces the traditional Round of 16 first legs.

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  • The knockout phase play-off draw is confirmed for Friday, January 30, 2026. This draw will set up the ties for the play-off round.

  • The draw for the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final is scheduled for February 27, 2026. This draw will involve the eight teams that have already secured direct entry to the Round of 16 and the eight winners from the knockout play-off round.

Qualified Teams for Knockout Stage

A total of 24 teams have secured qualification for the knockout phase of the 2025/26 Champions League. These teams are divided into two categories: those directly entering the Round of 16 and those participating in the knockout play-offs.

When is the Champions League last-16 knockout stage draw? - 2

Direct Qualifiers for Round of 16

The following eight teams have earned direct passage to the Round of 16:

  • Arsenal

  • Barcelona

  • Bayern München

  • Chelsea

  • Liverpool

  • Man City

  • Sporting CP

  • Tottenham

Teams Entering Knockout Phase Play-offs

The following 16 teams will contest the knockout phase play-offs:

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When is the Champions League last-16 knockout stage draw? - 3

  • Atalanta

  • Atlético de Madrid

  • Borussia Dortmund

  • Benfica

  • Bodø/Glimt

  • Club Brugge

  • Galatasaray

  • Inter

  • Juventus

  • Leverkusen

  • Monaco

  • Newcastle

  • Olympiacos

  • Paris

  • Qarabağ

  • Real Madrid

Play-off Draw Mechanics

For the knockout phase play-off draw, seeded teams will be drawn against unseeded teams. The seeded teams will have the advantage of playing the second leg of their tie at home.

  • When is the Champions League knockout phase play-off draw? It took place on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 CET (local time in Nyon).

Subsequent Round of 16 Draw

The draw that will determine the matchups for the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the path to the final is set for February 27, 2026. This is a pivotal draw that will consolidate the field and map out the remainder of the tournament.

When is the Champions League last-16 knockout stage draw? - 4

Expert Analysis

The introduction of a knockout play-off round represents a significant adjustment to the Champions League format. This new structure creates an additional hurdle for teams finishing in mid-table positions, offering them a second chance to advance while increasing the total number of matches in the knockout stages. The draw on January 30 will be the first indicator of how these newly introduced play-off ties will unfold, with the subsequent February 27 draw then revealing the full picture for the established Round of 16.

Conclusion

The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League knockout phase is now clearly defined with specific draw dates and a roster of qualified teams. The January 30, 2026 draw has set the stage for the play-off round, determining which teams will join the direct qualifiers in the Round of 16. The subsequent February 27, 2026 draw will then establish the pairings for all subsequent knockout rounds, culminating in the final. This new format, featuring a play-off stage, adds an extra layer of competition and intrigue to the latter stages of Europe's premier club football competition.

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Sources Used:

  • UEFA Official:

  • Link: https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/draws/

  • Summary: Details the draw location (Nyon) and time (Friday, January 30, 2026, 11:00 CET), and provides general information about the 2025/26 season.

  • Sky Sports:

  • Link: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11945/13499977/champions-league-knockout-phase-play-off-draw-format-dates-fixture-schedule-and-qualified-teams

  • Summary: Explains the format of the play-offs and lists some example fixtures from the draw, such as Newcastle vs. Qarabag.

  • ESPN:

  • Link: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/47778424/2025-26-champions-league-knockout-rounds-bracket-dates-format

  • Summary: Mentions the knockout playoff round and a draw in February, with a mention of Paris Saint-Germain and FK Qarabag.

  • BBC Sport:

  • Link: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c77kmg1xnp4o

  • Summary: Confirms the draw date for the knockout phase (Friday, January 30) and notes that the draw determining the Round of 16 onwards will be on February 27. It also touches on seeded teams playing second legs at home.

  • The Independent:

  • Link: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/champions-league-draw-start-time-teams-watch-tv-knockout-phase-playoffs-b2910768.html

  • Summary: Discusses the knockout phase play-off draw, its mechanics, and when it occurs.

  • The Telegraph:

  • Link: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2026/01/30/guide-to-champions-league-play-off-draw/?msockid=2c3bc8e53e996a3d19b8dfe63f726b6c

  • Summary: Mentions potential opponents in the Round of 16 for teams like Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham.

  • Sporting News:

  • Link: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/champions-league-round-16-draw-teams-fixtures-dates-uefa/2d2196354717af2a314482fb

  • Summary: Explicitly states the draw for the Round of 16 is on Friday, February 27, and explains the knockout-playoff round's role.

  • UEFA Official (News Article):

  • Link: https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/02a0-1f5779647b95-29ad8ef754a8-1000--champions-league-round-of-16-and-knockout-phase-play-off/

  • Summary: Lists all the teams qualified for the Round of 16 and the knockout phase play-offs, confirming the league phase concluded on January 30, 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the Champions League knockout play-off draw?
The draw for the knockout play-off round is on Friday, January 30, 2026. This draw decides which teams play in the first knockout games.
Q: When is the draw for the Round of 16?
The draw for the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final is on February 27, 2026. This draw will set up the rest of the tournament.
Q: What is the new format?
A new play-off round is added. Teams that finished 9th to 24th in the league phase will play each other. The winners will play the top 8 teams who are already in the Round of 16.