Champions League 2025-26 Draw: All You Need to Know

Champions League 2025-26 draw excitement is building as Europe’s football elite prepare for the league phase draw. The upcoming competition promises another season of dramatic clashes, with heavyweights like Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea on the hunt for continental glory. Here’s a complete guide to the draw, including key dates, seeding pots, live stream options, and the detailed procedure.

Champions League 2025-26 Draw Details

The Champions League 2025-26 draw will take place on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 5pm BST (12 noon ET). As tradition dictates, the prestigious Grimaldi Forum in Monaco will once again host the event, setting the stage for the season’s opening drama.

How to Watch the Champions League 2025-26 Draw Live

Fans worldwide can tune in to the draw via various platforms. In the United States, Paramount+ subscribers can stream the event live, while CBS Sports Golazo also offers coverage. All Champions League matches throughout the season will be accessible on Paramount+, CBS Sports, and CBS Sports Golazo.

UK viewers can follow the draw live on TNT Sports 1, stream via discovery+, or watch on Amazon Prime Video, with TNT Sports serving as the primary broadcaster for Champions League football in the region. The official UEFA website, uefa.com, also provides an international live stream and regular updates will be featured for more news.

Champions League 2025-26 Seeding Pots

The draw features 36 teams divided into four pots of nine, based on their UEFA coefficients and association rankings. Here are the confirmed pots for the 2025-26 league phase:

Pot One

1. Paris Saint-Germain (France)
2. Real Madrid (Spain)
3. Manchester City (England)
4. Bayern Munich (Germany)
5. Liverpool (England)
6. Inter (Italy)
7. Chelsea (England)
8. Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
9. Barcelona (Spain)

Pot Two

10. Arsenal (England)
11. Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
12. Atletico Madrid (Spain)
13. Benfica (Portugal)
14. Atalanta (Italy)
15. Villarreal (Spain)
16. Juventus (Italy)
17. Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany)
18. Club Brugge (Belgium)

Pot Three

19. Tottenham (England)
20. PSV (Netherlands)
21. Ajax (Netherlands)
22. Napoli (Italy)
23. Sporting (Portugal)
24. Olympiacos (Greece)
25. Slavia Prague (Czech Republic)
26. Bodo/Glimt (Norway)
27. Marseille (France)

Pot Four

28. Copenhagen (Denmark)
29. Monaco (France)
30. Galatasaray (Turkey)
31. Union SG (Belgium)
32. Qarabag (Azerbaijan)
33. Athletic Club (Spain)
34. Newcastle United (England)
35. Pafos (Cyprus)
36. Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan)

Champions League 2025-26 Draw Procedure Explained

The Champions League 2025-26 draw employs a hybrid system combining traditional manual draws and advanced software. Here’s how the process unfolds:

1. A team is drawn manually from Pot One.
2. UEFA’s software randomly selects eight different opponents—two from each pot—for that club, assigning four home and four away fixtures.
3. This process repeats for all Pot One teams, then continues for Pot Two, Pot Three, and Pot Four, ensuring every team faces eight unique opponents.
4. Restrictions apply: No teams from the same national association can be drawn together in the league phase. Additionally, a maximum of two clubs from the same association can be paired with any team.

UEFA provides an official explainer video and detailed breakdowns for those unfamiliar with the system. The blend of manual and automated steps aims to maintain fairness and unpredictability, while also ensuring logistical efficiency.

Where to Find Updates and Additional Coverage

If you’re unable to watch the draw live, comprehensive updates and expert analysis will be available for more news. Additionally, UEFA’s official social media channels and site will deliver real-time results and developments.

Opinion: The Champions League Draw Remains a Highlight

The Champions League 2025-26 draw is more than a formality—it’s a celebration of European football’s depth and diversity. The hybrid format, coupled with stringent restrictions, keeps things fair and exciting. With established giants and rising dark horses in the mix, this season’s road to the final promises compelling storylines, upsets, and unforgettable nights. For fans and clubs alike, the journey starts with the drama of the draw, and anticipation is at an all-time high.