(Football match schedule) The most up-to-date and precise schedule for the Champions League 2025/26 group stage.
The detailed schedule for the Champions League 2025/26 group stage has not yet been officially announced; below is the expected timeline.
League phase
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
Play-off for Round of 16 spots
First leg: February 17–18, 2026
Second leg: February 24–25, 2026
Round of 16
First leg: March 10–11, 2026
Second leg: March 17–18, 2026
Quarter-finals
First leg: April 7–8, 2026
Second leg: April 14–15, 2026
Semi-finals
First leg: April 28–29, 2026
Second leg: May 5–6, 2026
Final:On May 30, 2026, at Puskás Aréna, Budapest (Hungary).
Final:Scheduled for May 30, 2026, at Puskás Aréna, Budapest (Hungary).
In the 2025/26 season, a total of 36 European teams will participate in a single group, similar to last season. Each team will face 8 different opponents, including 4 home and 4 away matches, determined during the draw.
After the group stage concludes, the top 8 teams will qualify directly for the Round of 16. Teams ranked from 9th to 24th place will compete in two-legged play-offs to vie for the remaining 8 knockout spots. Meanwhile, teams ranked 25th and below will be eliminated, with no relegation to the Europa League as in previous formats.
Champions League 2025/26 group stage draw results