The Champions League Knockout Phase: Your Complete Guide
As the dust settles on the dramatic conclusion of the 2025-26 Champions League ‘league phase’, football fans around the world eagerly await the upcoming draw for the knockout phase. The league phase saw intense battles on the pitch, with standout moments like Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s last-gasp goal against Real Madrid capturing the hearts of fans.
When is the Draw?
The draw for the Champions League knockout phase is set to take place on January 30, 2026. The event will be held at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland, with the draw expected to kick off at 11am GMT for UK fans and 6am ET for those in the US.
Football enthusiasts can catch the draw live on UEFA’s official website, uefa.com, or through the UEFA Champions League app. TNT Sports will broadcast the draw in the UK, while Paramount+ will stream it in the US.
Seeding for the Knockout Phase
Teams that finished in positions nine to 16 during the league phase are seeded for the knockout play-off round, while those in positions 17 to 24 are unseeded. The draw will pair up the seeded and unseeded teams to determine the matchups.
For example, potential matchups could see Real Madrid facing off against Bodo/Glimt or Inter taking on Benfica. The draw ensures that teams from the same pairing will not play each other in the knockout phase.
Round of 16 Format
The top eight teams from the league phase advance to the round of 16 and are seeded for that stage. The winners of the knockout phase play-off ties will be unseeded for the round of 16 matchups.
The round of 16 fixtures will see exciting matchups like Monaco or Qarabag/PSG or Newcastle squaring off against Barcelona or Chelsea, promising thrilling football action for fans.
Key Dates to Remember
The knockout phase play-off games are scheduled for February 17/18 and February 24/25, 2026, with the round of 16 matches set for March 10/11 and March 17/18, 2026. The journey to the Champions League final on May 30, 2026, is filled with anticipation and excitement for football lovers worldwide.
As the knockout phase draws near, fans can gear up for intense battles on the pitch as teams vie for glory in the prestigious Champions League competition.
Stay tuned for more updates and follow your favorite teams as they navigate their way through the knockout phase towards the ultimate prize in European club football.
Teams to Watch in the Champions League Knockout Phase
As the Champions League knockout phase approaches, several teams are emerging as strong contenders for the title. Reigning champions Barcelona are looking to defend their title with a star-studded lineup including the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Ansu Fati. The Spanish giants boast an impressive track record in the tournament and will be a team to watch in the coming matches.
On the other hand, Chelsea, under the guidance of their astute manager Thomas Tuchel, have been a force to be reckoned with in recent seasons. With a solid defense led by Antonio Rudiger and attacking prowess from Mason Mount and Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea will pose a significant threat to their opponents in the knockout phase.
Another team to keep an eye on is Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who have strengthened their squad with the addition of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward will join forces with Neymar and Lionel Messi to form a formidable attacking trio, making PSG a formidable force in the competition.
Key Matchups to Look Out For
One of the most anticipated matchups in the round of 16 is the clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City. Both teams have a history of success in the Champions League and boast talented squads capable of producing thrilling football. The battle between Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne will be one to watch for football fans.
Another intriguing matchup is the face-off between Bayern Munich and Liverpool. The German giants, led by Robert Lewandowski, will take on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, who have been in fine form this season. The tactical battle between Klopp and Bayern’s Julian Nagelsmann will add an extra layer of excitement to this fixture.
Football Prediction: Who Will Win the Champions League?
With the knockout phase set to kick off, football fans are eager to make predictions on which team will lift the prestigious Champions League trophy. While Barcelona, Chelsea, and PSG are among the favorites, dark horses like Ajax and Borussia Dortmund cannot be underestimated.
Barcelona’s experience and depth make them strong contenders, while Chelsea’s defensive solidity and attacking threat give them a solid chance of success. PSG’s star-studded lineup may propel them to European glory, but they will face stiff competition from the likes of Bayern Munich and Liverpool.
Ultimately, the unpredictability of knockout football adds to the excitement of the Champions League. With top teams facing off in intense battles, fans can expect drama, upsets, and moments of brilliance as the competition unfolds.
As the knockout phase progresses, stay tuned for thrilling matchups, surprising results, and unforgettable moments that will shape the journey to the Champions League final in May. The road to European glory is paved with challenges, but only one team will emerge victorious as the Champions League winner for the 2025-26 season.
By providing insights into key teams, matchups, and potential outcomes in the Champions League knockout phase, fans can gain a deeper understanding of the competition and immerse themselves in the excitement of one of football’s most prestigious tournaments. As the tournament unfolds, stay updated on the latest developments and enjoy the thrilling football action that the Champions League knockout phase promises to deliver.
