The league phase of the UEFA Champions League has come to an end and here we tell you everything you need to know about the playoff draw.
The Champions League continues its march, and after the last day of the League Phasewhere the direct invitees to the round of 16 and the teams that will compete in the Playoffs were defined, it is the turn of the draw for the next phase.
With the new format that the competition manages, 16 teams must face each other in Playoffs to access the Round of 16 and join those directly qualified for the final rounds. Once the teams have been defined, the draw will be held to define the crosses; below, we explain the procedure.
How does the Champions League playoff draw work?
Sixteen teams qualify for the Playoffsfrom 9th to 24th place, and for the draw the first eight serve as seeds and the remaining eight do not. The teams are divided into pairs and the first places face off against the last in the following keys:
-
9º and 10º vs. 23º and 24º
-
11° y 12° vs 21° y 22°
-
13° y 14° vs 19° y 20°
-
15° y 16° vs 17° y 18°
Which teams qualified for the Champions League?
When, where and at what time will the Playoff draw be?
The draw for the Champions League Playoffs It will take place on Friday, January 30 in Nyon, Switzerland at 12:00 Central European Time / 5:00 CDMX / 6:00 ET, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru / 8:00 Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and you can follow it through UEFA.com.
When and how will the Champions League Playoffs be played?
The qualifying rounds are played round-trip and the seeded teams will get the home field for the second match. The first leg of the Playoffs will be played on February 17 and 18 and the second leg is scheduled for the 24th and 25th.
Playoff schedule and next draw for the Champions League
-
Playoffs: February 17/18 and 24/25, 2026
-
Draw for round of 16, quarterfinals and semifinals: February 27, 2026
-
Round of 16: 10/11 and 17/18 March 2026
-
Quarter finals: April 7/8 and 14/15, 2026
-
Semifinals: April 28/29 and May 5/6, 2026
-
Final: May 30, 2026
