The UEFA Champions League is gearing up for its 2025-26 season, promising thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. As fans worldwide prepare to follow their favorite teams, understanding the schedule, streaming options, and key details is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to watch the upcoming Champions League season, ensuring you don’t miss any of the action.
From the early qualifying rounds to the highly anticipated final, the Champions League offers a captivating journey filled with drama and excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned supporter or new to the world of soccer, knowing where and when to tune in will enhance your viewing experience.
Key Dates and Schedule
Qualifying Rounds
The road to the Champions League begins with the qualifying rounds, where teams battle for a spot in the group stage. These matches are crucial for teams from smaller leagues aiming to compete against Europe’s elite.
The qualifying stages typically commence in the summer, with preliminary rounds, first qualifying round, second qualifying round, and third qualifying round matches occurring throughout July and August. Keep an eye on UEFA’s official website for specific dates and kickoff times as they approach.
League Stage Draw
The league stage draw is a significant event, determining the matchups for the initial phase of the competition. This draw sets the stage for intense rivalries and exciting contests.
The draw for the league stage of the 2025-26 Champions League is scheduled for August 29, 2025. This event will be streamed live, allowing fans to follow along as the groups are determined. The draw not only unveils the fixtures but also sparks discussions and predictions about which teams will advance to the knockout stage. You can find related coverage on various sports news platforms.
Match Dates
The league stage matches are spread across several weeks, providing a consistent stream of high-quality soccer action. These matches are played on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, making them a highlight of the midweek sports calendar.
Matchday 1 is scheduled for September 16-18, 2025, kicking off the group stage with a series of compelling matches. The subsequent matchdays will follow in the weeks after, culminating in Matchday 6 on January 20-21, 2026. The full schedule will be available on UEFA’s website and major sports outlets, ensuring fans can plan their viewing accordingly.
Knockout Stage
The knockout stage is where the competition intensifies, with teams vying for a place in the final. These matches are known for their high stakes and dramatic finishes.
The round of 16 first legs are scheduled for February 17-18 and 24-25, 2026, followed by the second legs on March 3-4 and 10-11, 2026. The quarter-finals will take place in April, with the semi-finals in late April and early May. The final, the pinnacle of the competition, is set for May 30, 2026.
How to Watch in the USA
Television Channels
In the United States, several television channels broadcast Champions League matches. These channels provide comprehensive coverage, including pre-match analysis and post-match discussions.
CBS and Paramount+ hold the broadcasting rights for the Champions League in the USA. CBS typically airs select matches on its main channel, while Paramount+ streams every game live. This dual coverage ensures that fans have multiple options to watch their favorite teams compete.
Streaming Services
Streaming services offer a convenient way to watch Champions League matches, allowing fans to tune in from various devices. These services provide flexibility and accessibility, catering to the modern viewer.
Paramount+ is the primary streaming platform for Champions League matches in the USA. Additionally, some matches may be available on other streaming services that offer CBS as part of their channel lineup, such as fuboTV and DirecTV Stream. These options provide additional flexibility for fans looking to stream the games.
Univision and TUDN
For Spanish-speaking viewers in the USA, Univision and TUDN offer comprehensive coverage of the Champions League. These channels provide commentary and analysis in Spanish, catering to a significant portion of the soccer fanbase.
Univision and TUDN broadcast select matches on television and offer streaming options through their respective apps and online platforms. This ensures that Spanish-speaking fans can follow the Champions League action with ease.
How to Watch Internationally
Global Broadcasters
The Champions League is a global phenomenon, with broadcasters around the world providing coverage of the matches. These broadcasters ensure that fans in every corner of the globe can follow the competition.
In the UK, TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) holds the rights to broadcast Champions League matches. Other major broadcasters include beIN Sports (Middle East and North Africa), DAZN (various countries), and Sky Sport (Germany and Italy). Check your local listings to find the broadcaster in your region.
Streaming Options
Streaming options vary by region, with different platforms offering live coverage of the Champions League. These options provide flexibility and accessibility, allowing fans to watch the matches on their preferred devices.
DAZN is a popular streaming platform in several countries, offering live and on-demand coverage of the Champions League. Additionally, many broadcasters offer their own streaming services, allowing subscribers to watch matches online. Check your local broadcaster’s website for streaming options in your region.
The New Format for 2024-25 Onward
Changes to the Group Stage
Starting in the 2024-25 season, the Champions League introduced a new format, replacing the traditional group stage with a single league phase. This change aims to create more competitive matches and increase the excitement of the competition.
The new format features 36 teams in a single league, with each team playing eight matches against different opponents. This ensures a greater variety of matchups and reduces the number of repetitive games. The top eight teams automatically qualify for the knockout stage, while the teams finishing 9th to 24th compete in a two-legged play-off to secure their place in the round of 16.
Impact on the Competition
The new format is expected to have a significant impact on the Champions League, creating more unpredictable outcomes and increasing the competitive intensity. This change aims to enhance the viewing experience for fans and provide more opportunities for teams to compete at the highest level.
UEFA believes that the new format will lead to more meaningful matches throughout the league phase, as teams will be fighting for every point to secure their place in the knockout stage. This is intended to make the competition more engaging and attract a wider audience.
An example of a potential bracket for the Champions League Round of 16, illustrating How to watch the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League season: match schedules, streaming info and more.
Teams to Watch
Top Contenders
Several teams are considered top contenders for the 2025-26 Champions League title. These teams boast strong squads and a proven track record in European competitions.
Real Madrid, with their rich history in the Champions League, are always a team to watch. Other contenders include Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Liverpool. These teams have the quality and experience to go far in the competition.
Potential Dark Horses
In addition to the top contenders, several teams could emerge as dark horses in the competition. These teams may not be among the favorites, but they have the potential to surprise their opponents and make a deep run in the tournament.
Teams like Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Inter Milan have the potential to upset the established order. These teams have strong tactical setups and talented players who can make a difference in crucial moments.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League season promises thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.
- Qualifying rounds begin in the summer, with the league stage draw on August 29, 2025.
- Matches will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ in the USA.
- The new format features 36 teams in a single league phase, starting in 2024-25.
- Top contenders include Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich.
FAQ
When does the 2025-26 Champions League season start?
The qualifying rounds typically begin in July and August, with the league stage kicking off in September.
Where can I watch Champions League matches in the USA?
Champions League matches are broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ in the USA.
What is the new format for the Champions League?
The new format features 36 teams in a single league phase, replacing the traditional group stage.
Who are the top contenders for the 2025-26 Champions League title?
Top contenders include Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.
How can I stay updated on the latest Champions League news and schedules?
Follow UEFA’s official website and major sports news outlets for the latest updates, schedules, and match results.
Are there any changes to the knockout stage format?
The top 8 teams from the league phase qualify directly for the knockout stage. Teams finishing 9th to 24th will compete in a two-legged play-off to qualify for the Round of 16.
The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League season is set to be an exciting and memorable competition. By understanding the schedule, streaming options, and key details, fans can fully immerse themselves in the action and support their favorite teams. Be sure to stay updated with the latest news and schedules to ensure you don’t miss any of the thrilling moments. Check out UEFA’s official website for more information.
