Champions League Knockout Phase: Play-Off Draw Guide

Champions League Knockout Phase Play-Off Draw Overview

Champions League knockout phase anticipation is at its peak as the 2025-26 season moves past an electrifying league phase. With 24 teams securing their places in the knockout bracket, the road to European glory is set for another dramatic chapter. Among the highlights so far, Benfica’s Anatoliy Trubin amazed fans with a last-minute goal against Real Madrid, ensuring Jose Mourinho’s side progressed and underlining the unpredictable magic of the competition.

Key Dates and How to Watch the Champions League Knockout Phase Draw

The much-awaited Champions League knockout phase play-off draw will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026. Fans can tune in at 11:00am GMT (UK) or 6:00am ET (US) to catch all the action live from the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland. UEFA will stream the draw for free on their official website (uefa.com) and Champions League app, with partner broadcasts on TNT Sports in the UK and Paramount+ in the US. For those on the move, TNT Sports’ YouTube channel will also offer free coverage.

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Seeding and Format: How the Knockout Phase Play-Off Draw Works

Understanding the Champions League knockout phase seeding is crucial. Teams ranked 9–16 after the league phase are seeded, while those finishing 17–24 are unseeded. Both seeded and unseeded teams are further paired based on their ranking, and the draw pairs each seeded team with an unseeded counterpart within their respective duo. This means, for example, if Real Madrid is drawn against Bodo/Glimt, the other pair in that bracket—Inter and Benfica—will automatically face each other.

Seeded and Unseeded Pairings for 2025-26

– Real Madrid (9) or Inter (10) vs Bodo/Glimt (23) or Benfica (24)
– PSG (11) or Newcastle United (12) vs Monaco (21) or Qarabag (22)
– Juventus (13) or Atletico Madrid (14) vs Club Brugge (19) or Galatasaray (20)
– Atalanta (15) or Bayer Leverkusen (16) vs Borussia Dortmund (17) or Olympiacos (18)

No team can be drawn against a club outside its specific pair, ensuring a clear and structured path to the last 16. Additionally, there are no restrictions on national associations or prior group encounters, opening the door for exciting rematches and intense local derbies.

Champions League Knockout Phase Play-Off Schedule and Road to the Final

The knockout phase play-off round will take place across two legs: February 17/18 and February 24/25, 2026. Victors from these ties will join the eight best teams from the league phase—who proceed directly to the round of 16 and are seeded at that stage. The round of 16 will be played on March 10/11 and March 17/18, 2026.

Here’s the full Champions League knockout phase schedule:

• Knockout phase play-offs: February 17/18 & 24/25, 2026
• Round of 16: March 10/11 & 17/18, 2026
• Quarter-finals: April 7/8 & 14/15, 2026
• Semi-finals: April 28/29 & May 5/6, 2026
• Final: May 30, 2026

Champions League Knockout Phase Bracket and Pathways

The eight seeded teams from the league phase will face the play-off winners in the round of 16. Examples of potential matchups include Monaco or Qarabag/Newcastle or PSG vs Barcelona or Chelsea, and Club Brugge or Galatasaray/Juventus or Atletico vs Liverpool or Tottenham. This structure ensures a blend of traditional powerhouses and rising teams, promising drama at every stage.

Are There Any Restrictions in the Knockout Draw?

Unlike previous years, there are no restrictions in the knockout phase. Teams from the same country can be matched, and clubs who have played each other earlier in the tournament can meet again. This open format increases the unpredictability and excitement fans have come to expect from the Champions League.

Ticket Information and Useful Links

Fans looking to catch the action live can explore ticketing information on UEFA’s official channels, with guides available for securing both matchday and final tickets. For comprehensive fixtures, live TV listings, and more, UEFA and partner networks provide all essential details. Don’t forget to check out the latest newsletters for breaking updates.

Opinion: Champions League Knockout Phase Promises High Drama

As the Champions League knockout phase play-off draw approaches, anticipation is building for what could be another unforgettable campaign. The open draw, refreshed format, and abundance of quality teams mean fans are in for top-tier entertainment. With no seeding restrictions and the possibility of rematches or local rivalries, this stage exemplifies the magic and unpredictability that makes the Champions League football’s premier club competition.