UEFA Champions League: 2025-26 format, qualifying round fixtures, draw dates, league phase
The first qualifying round has begun in Europe, and familiar names like Malmo, FCSB, and Ludogorets Razgrad playing meaningful games as part of their 2025-25 seasons.
MORE — Chelsea win the 2025-26 Club World Cup
Yes, it'll still be some time before champions Paris Saint-Germain and their big-named chasers join the fray, but we're off and running in the race to Budapest.
For all the details of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, read on....
How does UEFA Champions League qualifying work?
Eighty-two teams will participate in the UEFA Champions League beginning with the first qualifying round in early July.
Ten rounds later, two teams will meet to determine the champion of Europe.
Here's who enters and when:
First qualifying round: Twenty-eight champions from associations 25-27 and 30-55
Second qualifying round: Eight champions from associations 16-24, excluding Russia, plus two champions from associations 28 and 29 enter the champions path. Six runners-up from associations 10-15 begin the league path.
Third qualifying round: Five teams more teams enter the league path.
Playoff round: Four champions from associations 11-14.
League phase: Ten champions from associations 1-10, six runners-up from associations 1-6, five third-placed teams from associations 1-5, four fourth-place teams from associations 1-4, one champion from association 15, two teams from the associations with the highest coefficients from the previous season, and the Europa League champions.
When and where is the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League Final?
The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League Final will be May 30, 2026 at Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary.
What are the draw dates for the UEFA Champions League?
First qualifying round: June 17
Second qualifying round: June 18
Third qualifying round: July 21
Playoff round: August 4
League phase: August 28
Knockout playoff round: January 30
Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final: February 27
What are the match dates for the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League?
Qualifying rounds
First qualifying round (two legs): July 8-9 and July 15-16
Second qualifying round (two legs): July 22-23 and July 29-30
Third qualifying round (two legs): August 5-6 and August 12
Playoff round: August 19-20 and August 26-27
League phase
Matchday 1: September 16-18
Matchday 2: September 30-October 1
Matchday 3: October 21-22
Matchday 4: November 4-5
Matchday 5: November 25-26
Matchday 6: December 9-10
Matchday 7: January 20-21
Matchday 8: January 28
Knockout playoff round: February 17-18, February 24-25
Round of 16: March 10-11, March 17-18
Quarterfinals: April 7-8, April 14-15
Semifinals: April 28-29, May 5-6
Final: May 30 at Puskas Arena in Budapest
Who have qualified for the UEFA Champions League league phase?
Premier League: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur*
Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, AS Monaco
Serie A: Napoli, Inter Milan, Atalanta, Juventus
La Liga: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Villarreal
Bundesliga: Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund
Eredivisie: PSV Eindhoven, Ajax
Primeira Liga: Sporting Lisbon
Belgian Pro League: Union Saint-Gilloise
Turkish Super Lig: Galatasaray
Czech First League: Slavia Prague
Super League Greece: Olympiacos
UEFA Champions League league phase qualifying schedule
Wednesday June 9, 2025
KuPS 1-0 Milsami Orhei
The New Saints 0-0 Shkendija
Iberia 1999 1-3 Malmo
FCI Levadia 0-1 RFS
Drita 1-0 Differdange 03
Vikingur 2-3 Lincoln Red Imps
Egnatia 1-0 Breidablik
Shelbourne 1-0 Linfield
FCSB 3-1 Inter Club d'Escaldes
Virtus 0-2 Zrinjski Mostar
Olimpija Ljubljana 1-1 Kairat
Noah 1-0 Buducnost Podgorica
Ludogorets Razgrad vs Dinamo Minsk
Tuesday June 15, 2025
Match 1: Hamrun Spartans vs Zalgiris
Match 2: Milsami Orhei vs KuPS
March 3: Shkendija vs The New Saints
Match 4: Malmo vs Iberia 1999
Match 5: RFS vs FCI Levadia
Match 6: Differdange 03 vs Drita
Match 7: Lincoln Red Imps vs Vikingur
Match 8: Breidablik vs Egnatia
Match 9: Linfield vs Shelbourne
Match 10: Inter Club d'Escaldes vs FCSB
Match 11: Zrinjski Mostar vs Virtus
Match 12: Kairat vs Olimpija Ljubljana
Match 13: Buducnost Podgorica vs Noah
Match 14: Dinamo MInsk vs Ludogorets Razgrad
First legs to be played July 22-23. Second legs July 29-30.
Champions Path
Match 5 winner v Match 4 winner
Match 1 winner vs Dynamo Kiev
Pafos vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
Match 7 winner vs Red Star Belgrade
Match 13 winner vs Ferencvaros
Lech Poznan vs Match 8 winner
Copenhagen vs Match 6 winner
Rijeka vs Match 14 winner
Match 3 winner vs Match 10 winner
Slovan Bratislava vs Match 11 winner
Match 9 winner vs Qarabag
Match 2 winner vs Match 12 winner
Brann vs Red Bull Salzburg
Viktoria Plzen vs Servette
Glasgow Rangers vs Panathinaikos
Draw: July 21
First legs to be played August 5-6. Second legs August 12.
Second qualifying round winners
Winners of second qualifying round plus Benfica, Club Brugge, Feyenoord, Fenerbahce, Nice
Draw: August 4
First legs to be played August 19-20. Second legs August 26-27.
Six winners of third qualifying round plus Celtic, Bodo/Glimt, Basel, and Sturm Graz.
Four winners from the third qualifying round
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PUNE, India, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report published by Credence Research, the global Sports Hospitality Market was valued at USD 8,345.70 million in 2018, rose to USD 15,233.39 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 74,318.43 million by 2036, growing at a CAGR of 14.12% during the forecast period. The market is witnessing strong momentum owing to the increasing global appeal of high-profile sporting events and the growing appetite for premium, immersive experiences among both corporate clients and affluent consumers. Demand for VIP suites, exclusive access packages, gourmet catering, and behind-the-scenes privileges continues to surge at major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Super Bowl, Wimbledon, and Formula One Grand Prix. The sports industry's ongoing shift toward experiential offerings and revenue diversification is further propelling investments in hospitality infrastructure and services. Technological innovation and international expansion are reshaping the market dynamics. Enhanced digital ticketing, real-time fan engagement, and smart stadium integrations are elevating the guest experience. Additionally, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America are playing an increasingly vital role, driven by infrastructure upgrades and growing sports tourism. Strategic collaborations between sports federations, hospitality brands, and travel operators are expected to unlock new revenue streams and sustain market growth across geographies. Browse the report and understand how it can benefit your business strategy - Key Growth Determinants – Sports Hospitality Market Rising Demand for Premium Sports Experiences The growing preference for exclusive, high-end experiences among affluent consumers and corporate clients is a major driver of the sports hospitality market. Demand for VIP boxes, luxury suites, fine dining, meet-and-greet opportunities, and personalized concierge services continues to surge at major sporting events worldwide. Corporations are increasingly leveraging hospitality packages to build client relationships and enhance brand visibility, while fans seek more immersive and memorable ways to engage with their favorite teams and athletes. Expansion of Global Sports Events and Commercialization The increasing frequency and scale of international sporting events—such as the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, ICC tournaments, and Formula One races—are fueling market growth. Sports organizations are heavily investing in hospitality infrastructure to diversify revenue streams and enhance audience engagement. Coupled with the globalization of sports leagues and the rise of sports tourism, these developments are significantly expanding the market footprint across developed and emerging economies. Key Growth Barriers – Sports Hospitality Market High Cost of Premium Hospitality PackagesThe elevated pricing of sports hospitality offerings, including VIP suites, corporate boxes, and luxury experiences, limits accessibility to a niche customer base. This restricts widespread adoption and poses a challenge for market expansion, particularly in price-sensitive regions and among small and mid-sized enterprises. Economic Volatility and Budget ConstraintsFluctuations in global economic conditions and corporate budget tightening during downturns directly impact discretionary spending on non-essential services like sports hospitality. Economic uncertainty may lead to reduced investments in hospitality packages, especially from corporate clients. Uncertainty of Sporting Event SchedulesPostponements, cancellations, or limited audience capacities due to unforeseen circumstances—such as pandemics, geopolitical tensions, or extreme weather—can disrupt hospitality revenues. 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