🏆 Champions League 2025/26: format, official schedule and final in Budapest
The 2025/26 edition marks a historic turning point
The 2025/26 Champions League opens a new era for European football.
New format, redesigned calendar, increased intensity and a majestic final at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest : the most prestigious club competition promises an exceptional season.
For football fans and collectors of official UEFA jerseys , it's the most anticipated event of the year. And at PlanetFoot , we experience the Champions League to the fullest.
⚙️ New format for the 2025/26 Champions League
The classic group stage is over: now it's time for a single league stage .
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36 teams instead of 32.
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Each club plays 8 matches (4 at home, 4 away).
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The top 8 qualify directly for the round of 16.
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The teams ranked from 9th to 24th place compete in two-legged playoffs .
This new format guarantees prestigious posters from September onwards and maximum intensity on every day.
Big European nights are becoming even more unpredictable — pure entertainment for the fans.
📅 The official 2025/26 Champions League schedule
According to the latest information from UEFA and Canal+, here is the complete schedule for the 2025/26 season :
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Preliminary rounds : starting July 8, 2025
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Play-offs : August 19-27, 2025
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League phase draw : August 28, 2025 in Monaco
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League phase (matchdays 1 to 8) : from September 16, 2025 to January 28, 2026
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Round of 16 : March 3-11, 2026
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Quarter-finals : April 14-22, 2026
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Semi-finals : May 5-13, 2026
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Final : May 30, 2026 , at Puskás Aréna in Budapest , kick-off at 6:00 p.m. CET
A busy, fast-paced season full of twists and turns, where each club will be playing for its survival on every day.
⚽ The leading clubs of the 2025/26 season
The best teams in Europe will be there:
Real Madrid, Manchester City, FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Liverpool, AC Milan, Atlético Madrid and many others.
Some surprises could come from the secondary championships, thanks to the new allocation of places.
Each qualification adds a new color, a new jersey, a new story to write — and PlanetFoot will be there to make you experience it.
🏟️ The grand final in Budapest
The 2026 Champions League final will be played on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest .
This modern stadium, a symbol of the rebirth of Hungarian football, will welcome nearly 68,000 fans for a legendary evening.
Expect an electric atmosphere, spectacular tifos and the release of the “Final Edition” jerseys , available on PlanetFoot from their official launch.
👕 The Champions League universe at PlanetFoot
Each European season brings its share of new features:
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Official Champions League 2025/26 jerseys of the participating clubs.
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Training outfits , pre-match jackets , tracksuits , and UEFA accessories .
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Official balls , socks , caps , and collector's items from major European evenings.
At PlanetFoot , we exclusively offer 100% authentic products, available online and in our stores in Perpignan and Le Perthus .
🧠 Key points to remember
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Qualifying begins | July 8, 2025 |
| 🎲 League phase draw | August 28, 2025 in Monaco |
| ⚽ Start of the main phase | September 16, 2025 |
| 🏁 Final | May 30, 2026 – Budapest |
| 👕 Number of teams | 36 clubs |
| 🧩 Format | Single league phase |
| 🏪 PlanetFoot | Official UEFA jerseys, accessories and collections |
❓ FAQ – Champions League 2025/26
🏆 What is the date of the 2026 Champions League final?
The final will take place on May 30, 2026 in Budapest , at the Puskás Arena . Kick-off at 6pm CET .
📅 When does the competition start?
The season starts on July 8, 2025 with the preliminary rounds. The main phase begins on September 16, 2025 .
⚙️ What is the new format?
A 36-club league phase replaces the old groups.
Each team plays 8 matches, and the 24 best advance to the final phase.
⚽ Where to buy official Champions League jerseys?
On PlanetFoot.com , find official jerseys , training kits , UEFA accessories , and European club collections — available online and in store.
🏪 Which clubs should we be following?
The usual big names: Real Madrid , PSG , Manchester City , Bayern , Barcelona , Milan , Arsenal , OM , but also the new teams resulting from UEFA reforms.
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