Champions League Round of 16 Draw: Date, Teams & Schedule 2026
The stage is set for the knockout rounds of the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League, with the draw for the Round of 16 scheduled for . The anticipation is building as fans await to discover the matchups that will determine the path to the final, to be held at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary on .
This season’s format sees 24 teams vying for European glory. Eight clubs – Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, and Manchester City – earned direct entry into the Round of 16 by virtue of their performance in the league phase. The remaining sixteen teams battled through the knockout phase play-offs to secure their place in the competition’s business end.
The play-off victors include Atlético Madrid, who overcame Club Brugge; Newcastle United, triumphant against Qarabağ; Bayer Leverkusen, who defeated Olympiacos; Bodø/Glimt, who edged out Inter; Atalanta, who prevailed over Borussia Dortmund; Real Madrid, who bested Benfica; Paris Saint-Germain, who won against Monaco; and Galatasaray, who secured a win against Juventus.
The Road to the Final: Key Dates and Matchups
The Round of 16 is slated to begin on . The draw, taking place at , will determine the pairings for these crucial ties. The first legs will be played on March 11th and 12th, with the return legs scheduled for March 17th and 18th.
The quarter-finals are set to unfold on (first legs) and (second legs). The semi-finals will then follow, with the first legs taking place on and the second legs on . All of this culminates in the highly anticipated final in Budapest on .
The competition has already delivered several compelling narratives. Newcastle United’s progression through the play-offs, for example, marks a significant return to the top table of European football for the English club. Similarly, Galatasaray’s victory over Juventus represents a notable achievement and a testament to their resilience. The inclusion of Bodø/Glimt, a team representing a smaller footballing nation, adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the tournament.
The presence of established European powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Manchester City ensures a high level of competition throughout the knockout stages. Arsenal and Liverpool, both enjoying strong domestic seasons, will be looking to translate that form onto the European stage. Chelsea, despite a period of transition, remain a formidable opponent with a proven track record in the Champions League.
Format and Key Rules
Each tie in the knockout phase, with the exception of the final, will be played over two legs, with each team having the opportunity to play at home. The team that accumulates the highest aggregate score across both matches will advance to the next round. In the event of a tie, the away goals rule will *not* be applied. Instead, a 30-minute period of extra time will be played. If the score remains level after extra time, the winner will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.
The final, held as a single match, will follow the same extra time and penalty shoot-out procedure if the score is tied after 90 minutes.
The draw promises to be a pivotal moment, shaping the destinies of these 16 remaining contenders. With a blend of seasoned champions and emerging forces, the 2025-2026 Champions League knockout phase is poised to deliver a captivating spectacle for football fans worldwide. The competition is wide open, and the race for the coveted trophy is set to intensify as the tournament progresses.