The UEFA Champions League 2025–26 season is moving into the knockout rounds after the completion of the new league phase. The Round of 16 draw will take place on February 27, 2026, where Europe’s top teams will learn their path toward the final.
With a new competition format and several major clubs already qualified, the upcoming draw is expected to produce high-profile matchups and intense two-leg battles.
New Format: How the 2025–26 System Works
This season introduced a revamped structure featuring 36 teams in a single league table format. Each team played eight matches — four at home and four away.
The qualification process works as follows:
- Top 8 teams from the league phase advance directly to the Round of 16
- Teams ranked 9th to 24th entered a playoff round to secure the remaining spots
- The playoff matches were played on February 17–18 and February 24–25, 2026
This format has increased the number of competitive matches and ensured stronger contests even before the knockout stage.
Round of 16 Format Explained
The Round of 16 will be played over two legs, with each team hosting one match.
Key rules for the knockout ties:
- Two-leg format (home and away)
- No away goals rule
- If the aggregate score is level, matches will go to extra time and penalties
- No team seeding restrictions, increasing the chances of big-club clashes
The first-leg matches are scheduled for March 10–11, while the second legs will be played on March 17–18, 2026.
Also see: FIFA World Cup 2026: Schedule, Groups, Format
Champions League 2026 Knockout Schedule
| Stage | Draw Date | First Leg | Second Leg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playoff Round | January 30, 2026 | Feb 17–18 | Feb 24–25 |
| Round of 16 | February 27, 2026 | March 10–11 | March 17–18 |
| Quarter-finals | — | April 7–8 | April 14–15 |
| Semi-finals | — | April 28–29 | May 5–6 |
| Final | — | May 30, 2026 | — |
The Champions League Final will be played at Puskás Arena in Budapest.
Teams Expected in the Round of 16
Several European giants have already secured strong positions after the league phase. The list of expected direct qualifiers includes:
- Real Madrid
- Manchester City
- Bayern Munich
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Liverpool
- Barcelona
- Arsenal
- Inter Milan
Other major clubs such as Juventus, Atletico Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund were involved in the playoff stage, competing for the remaining knockout spots.
With so many big names in contention, the Round of 16 draw could deliver blockbuster matchups right away.
Also know: FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Prices, Categories, Availability
Why This Draw Is Important
The February 27 draw will shape the entire knockout path, including potential quarter-final and semi-final routes. Under the new format, the possibility of early clashes between top teams adds extra excitement.
Fans will be watching closely to see which teams avoid difficult opponents and which heavyweights are drawn against each other.
The draw will be broadcast live on the official UEFA platforms.
After the draw, teams will have just over a week to prepare for the first-leg matches in March. With the away-goals rule no longer in place and the competition format encouraging tighter contests, the Round of 16 promises dramatic finishes and high-pressure moments.
As the road to Budapest begins, every match will carry major significance in the race to become European champions.
FAQs
When is the Champions League Round of 16 draw?
February 27, 2026.
When will the Round of 16 matches be played?
First legs on March 10–11 and second legs on March 17–18.
Is the away goals rule still used?
No, it has been removed. Tied matches go to extra time and penalties.
Where is the 2026 Champions League final?
Puskás Arena, Budapest.
How many teams qualified directly for the Round of 16?
The top eight teams from the league phase.
