The UEFA Champions League is back.
With the league-phase draw set in stone, 36 teams will undergo an eight-game journey toward the knockout stages and, eventually, the final of the world’s premier club soccer tournament.
Paris Saint-Germain brought the trophy to France for the first time ever last season, but repeating won’t be easy given how other contenders have retooled.
Five of the Premier League’s “Bix 6” clubs are also involved after Tottenham won the Europa League. Manchester United, who lost to Spurs, are not in any European competition this season.
So, who are the key teams to keep tabs on and how can you watch the games? Here’s what to know for the 2025-26 UCL league phase:
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How long is the Champions League league phase?
The eight-game league phase will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 16. The final games before the playoff round is set for Wednesday, Jan. 28, when all games will air simultaneously.
Does the Champions League league-phase table matter?
As long as you’re in the last 16, not necessarily. But it can play a factor. The top eight teams advance automatically to the round of 16, while the next 16 teams will compete in the round of 32, meaning an extra two games to an already-packed calendar.
PSG had to play such games after finishing 15th in the league last year, but benefitted from competing in a weaker Ligue 1 that allowed for better squad rotation.
Barcelona, Arsenal and Inter, which finished second through fourth, respectively, all made the semifinals.
What is the 2025-26 Champions League fixture schedule?
The league-phase schedule features multiple marquee matchups, such as Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea, Barcelona vs. PSG, Liverpool vs. Real Madrid and Arsenal vs. Inter, among others.
The full schedule can be viewed here.
Who are the 2025-26 Champions League favorites?
While there is no clear-cut favorite, PSG have to be in the conversation. Les Bleus didn’t make too many changes to the trophy-collecting squad from last season, which could help in the tougher legs under Luis Enrique. They’ll need to manage injuries well, however.
Real Madrid should also bounce back under new manager Xabi Alonso. New signings Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras could be instrumental in shoring up the defense. Fellow Spanish side Barcelona were semifinalists last season, and Lamine Yamal and Raphinha just keep upgrading their games on the flanks.
From the Premier League, Liverpool splashed nearly $500 million in the transfer window after breaking the English transfer fee record twice — the first time on attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, then striker Alexander Isak. With Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk still playing at a high level, the Reds cannot be counted out.
Arsenal are another team now built to succeed in the tournament following a semifinal run last season despite numerous key injuries. While the injuries are still a lingering issue, the Gunners loaded up on depth with the signings of striker Viktor Gyokeres, winger Noni Madueke, attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze, defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi and center-back Cristhian Mosquera, among others.
Italy, which saw Inter make the final, will likely struggle to see a representative in the later stages while Germany’s lone chance is Bayern Munich — and even that may be a tough sell.
Are there any underdogs to watch in the 2025-26 Champions League?
After the favorites, the question may come down to possible sleeper teams. Keep eyes on Chelsea, the reigning Club World Cup winners. While the Blues have been iffy in league play, their performance in European competitions typically fare better. Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro and Reese James are among some players who could play a factor.
In Italy, Napoli could play sleeper with the additions of Kevin De Bruyne, Rasmus Hojlund, Lorenzo Lucca, Vanja Milinković-Savić and Noa Lang, among others. Scott McTominay has also rebounded his game as a Ballon d’Or nominee following the team’s recent Scudetto win.
La Liga side Atletico Madrid also made heavy investments into Diego Simeone’s squad. Alex Baena, David Hancko, Johnny Cardoso, Giacomo Raspadori, Thiago Almada, Matteo Ruggeri and Marc Pubill are among the notable additions. While the overall individual quality may be in question, Simeone’s teams are always a tough out in the knockout rounds thanks to his defensive tactics.
Where to watch 2025-26 Champions League games online, on TV
Paramount+ and CBS Sports is the U.S. broadcast and streaming partner for the tournament through 2026.
When is the 2026 Champions League final?
The Champions League final is slated for May 30, 2026 and will be held at the Puskas Arana in Budapest, Hungary.