Borussia Dortmund is the first club from the men’s football league in the coming season of the Champions League. At the start of the league with 36 teams, BVB will compete at Juventus Turin on September 16 at 9 p.m. This emerges from the schedule that the European Football Union UEFA published two days after the draw.
For the German champion FC Bayern Munich, the European season on September 17th (9pm) starts with a home game, then club world champion FC Chelsea is a guest. Bayer Leverkusen begins on September 18 (6.45 p.m.) with an away game at FC Copenhagen, then (9 p.m.) Eintracht Frankfurt expects Galatasaray Istanbul.
Second season in the new mode
Table of Contents
- Second season in the new mode
- Men’s football
- Key Match Schedule and Dates
- Champions League 2025-26: FAQs
- When does the Champions League 2025-2026 season start?
- What is the new format of the Champions League?
- Where will the Champions League final 2026 be held?
- What time will the Champions League final 2026 be played?
- How many games will each team play in the new format’s initial phase?
- Which german teams will be in the Champions League in 2025-2026?
- When does the group stage end?
It is the second season in the new Champions League mode that has been played since 2024. Each team plays eight games in the league, it ends on January 28th next year. Then, of different lengths, the best eight clubs in the league traps qualify directly for the round of 16. The clubs in places 9 to 24 games in an intermediate round for progress. The European season ends for the teams in ranks 25 to 36.
The next final of the Champions League takes place on May 30, 2026 in Budapest. The game begins for the first time at 6 p.m. instead of 9 p.m., as usual.
Key Match Schedule and Dates
To help fans stay organized and never miss a moment of the action, we’ve compiled a detailed schedule of key matches and dates for the initial stages of the 2025-2026 champions League season. This table provides a swift reference for the most anticipated matchups, emphasizing the importance of following these dates closely.
| Team | Opponent | Date | Time (CET) | Venue / Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borussia Dortmund | Juventus Turin | September 16th, 2025 | 21:00 | Juventus Stadium, Turin |
| FC Bayern Munich | FC Chelsea | September 17th, 2025 | 21:00 | Allianz Arena, Munich |
| Bayer Leverkusen | FC Copenhagen | September 18th, 2025 | 18:45 | Parken Stadium, Copenhagen |
| Eintracht Frankfurt | galatasaray Istanbul | September 18th, 2025 | 21:00 | Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt |
| champions League Final | TBD (Teams to be determined) | May 30th, 2026 | 18:00 | Puskás Aréna, Budapest |
*CET: Central European Time
Champions League 2025-26: FAQs
Here’s a complete FAQ to address some of the most common questions regarding the upcoming champions League season. This section is designed to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the tournament.
When does the Champions League 2025-2026 season start?
The Champions League group stage begins on September 16, 2025, with matches spread over the following months, following the new format introduced in 2024.
What is the new format of the Champions League?
In the new format, all 36 teams participate in a single league phase, playing eight matches. The top eight teams advance directly to the round of 16, while teams ranked 9-24 compete in a playoff round. Teams ranked 25-36 are eliminated from the competition.
Where will the Champions League final 2026 be held?
The final of the 2026 champions League will be held in Budapest, Hungary, at the Puskás Aréna.
What time will the Champions League final 2026 be played?
Unlike previous years, the 2026 Champions League final will kick off at 6:00 PM, CET.
How many games will each team play in the new format’s initial phase?
Each of the 36 participating teams will play eight games during the league phase.
Which german teams will be in the Champions League in 2025-2026?
Borussia Dortmund, FC Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, and Eintracht Frankfurt, as mentioned in this article, will represent germany in the 2025-2026 Champions League. The full lineup will be listed as the season progresses.
When does the group stage end?
The group stage, as part of the new league phase format, concludes in January 2026, with the final matches of the initial phase played on January 28th.
