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Champions League knockout phase play-off draw explained: Format, teams and key dates

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Champions League

Champions League knockout phase play-off draw

Explaining the Champions League knockout phase play-off draw format, teams and dates

The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on 30 January 2026, setting up the final round of ties that determine which clubs will complete the round of 16 line-up. After a dramatic final league phase matchday on Wednesday, involving all 36 teams, this draw is a key turning point in Europe’s premier club competition.

Arsenal topped the league phase with a perfect record, and were joined in the top eight by another four Premier League clubs in Liverpool (3rd), Tottenham (4th), Chelsea (6th) and Manchester City (8th). Bayern Munich finish 2nd, FC Barcelona managed to get 5th while a late winner saw Sporting CP claim 7th).

European giants like Real Madrid, Inter, and Paris Saint-Germain were forced to settle for a playoff spot.

Here’s a complete guide to what the play-off draw is, how it works, who’s involved, and when the next fixtures will be played.

What is the Champions League knockout phase play-off draw?

Under the Champions League’s new format, the season starts with 36 teams competing in a single league table instead of traditional groups. After the league phase:

The play-off draw, which sets the eight two-legged ties, takes place at 12:00 CET on Friday 30 January 2026 at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.

Who qualifies for the knockout phase play-off draw?

After the league phase concluded, the 16 teams involved in the knockout play-off draw were confirmed based on league positions 9 to 24:

Seeded teams (9th–16th):

Unseeded teams (17th–24th):

These clubs now await the draw to learn their play-off opponents and pathway to the round of 16.

How the play-off draw works

The draw is based strictly on final finishing positions in the league phase, and teams are paired according to a set structure:

Seeded vs unseeded clubs

This means each tie includes one seeded and one unseeded side, with the seeded club usually playing the second leg at home.

Same-nation and repeat opponents allowed

Unlike earlier Champions League rules, teams can face opponents from the same national league or clubs they already met in the league phase. There are no restrictions preventing these draw pairings in the play-off round.

When are the play-off matches played?

The knockout phase play-offs are played over two legs:

The winners of the ties – eight teams – will progress to join the eight clubs already qualified in the round of 16.

After the play-offs, the round of 16 draw will be held on 27 February 2026, setting up the next phase of matches.

When and where to watch the draw

The draw will be held in Switzerland on Friday, January 30, with an expected start time of 12:00 CET (6:00 AM EST / 3:00 AM PST), although it usually takes a fair while for UEFA to start actually drawing the names out of the bowl.

The knockout phase play-off draw will be streamed live on UEFA.com and through the official UEFA Champions League app. Many broadcasters also offer live coverage and commentary, and dedicated sports networks will host commentary and expert analysis for viewers across Europe and beyond.

What happens after the play-offs?

After the play-off ties conclude, the round of 16 will commence in March 2026, featuring the eight clubs that qualified via the league phase and the eight play-off winners.

The broader knockout calendar looks like this:

Quick summary

The knockout phase play-off draw sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the Champions League season, as Europe’s best clubs fight for places in the last 16 and beyond.

 

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