Champions League Round of 16 draw, matches, bracket, schedule, date and time 2026!
Champions League Round of 16 draw date and time 2026? Champions League Round of 16 draw took place earlier this week. Who will each club face in UEFA Champions League Round 16 matches? Watch & Bet on Football =>
The stage is set for a night of pure European drama. On January 28, 2026, the final whistle of the Champions League league phase will signal not just the end of eight matches, but the dramatic conclusion of a five-month marathon to reach the knockout rounds.
With only two teams securely through to the last 16 and a staggering 32 clubs still with something to play for, the revamped format is delivering the chaos and suspense UEFA envisioned.
This is the story of the race for the round of 16, where giants like Barcelona and Manchester City fight for survival, and every goal could rewrite the destiny of Europe’s elite.
Champions League Round of 16 draw date and time
When the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw for the 2025/26 season have been completed, and we have some mouthwatering Round of 16 matches lined up.
When is Champions League Round of 16 draw?
The draw for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 will be held on Friday, 27 February 2026.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 12:00 CET (Central European Time) at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland. Fans worldwide can watch the event streamed live on UEFA.com and the official UEFA Champions League app.
This draw follows the completion of the new knockout phase play-offs, which feature teams that finished between 9th and 24th in the league phase.
The eight winners from those two-legged ties, played on February 17/18 and 24/25, will progress to become the unseeded teams in the Round of 16.
How does the Champions League Round of 16 draw works?
The draw mechanics have fundamentally changed under the new “Swiss Model” format.
Unlike previous seasons with open draws, the bracket is now largely predetermined based on final league phase positions.
Seeded Teams: The eight clubs that finished in the top eight of the league phase are seeded. They automatically qualify for the Round of 16 and will play the second leg of their tie at home.
Unseeded Teams: The eight winners of the knockout phase play-offs are unseeded.
Predetermined Pairings: The draw does not randomly match any seeded team with any unseeded team. Instead, it follows a fixed bracket structure based on league rankings.
For example, the clubs that finished 1st and 2nd in the league can only be drawn against one of the two possible winners from a specific play-off pairing (involving teams that finished 15th/16th/17th/18th).
No Country Protection: Teams from the same national association can be drawn against each other.
Setting the Path: Crucially, this single draw not only determines the Round of 16 matchups but also fixes the entire knockout bracket through to the final in Budapest.
There will be no further draws for the quarter-finals or semi-finals; those matchups are automatically set based on this bracket.
Does the Champions League have a round of 16?
Yes, but getting there has changed. The iconic Champions League round of 16 remains the gateway to the competition’s most nail-biting ties, but the path to reach it has been transformed under the new “Swiss model” format. Gone are the traditional groups.
Now, 36 teams compete in a single league table, each playing eight matches against different opponents.
The ultimate prize is a top-eight finish, which grants a direct pass to the round of 16 in March. For those finishing between 9th and 24th, the journey involves an extra, perilous step: the knockout phase play-offs in February.
This new two-legged round acts as a brutal filter, where eight winners emerge to complete the last-16 bracket. The bottom 12 teams see their European dreams end entirely.
Which teams qualify for Champions League round of 16?
Here’s the official list of teams that have qualified directly for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 (top-16 finishers in the 2025/26 league phase):
Do you see your team? 👀
The last 16 is locked in 🔒#UCL pic.twitter.com/dTQAgc6x4N
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 25, 2026
1. Arsenal (England)
Arsenal dominated the league phase, finishing at the very top of the 36-team table. Their consistent attacking prowess and strong defense saw them accumulate the highest number of points, making automatic qualification for the Round of 16 inevitable.
With key players delivering goals and assists throughout the campaign, Mikel Arteta’s side combined tactical discipline with flair.
Their top position also ensures they will be seeded in the next round, giving them a more favorable draw in March.
2. Bayern Munich (Germany)
Bayern Munich secured second place in the Champions League league standings thanks to a strong overall performance across eight matches. The German champions blended experience and firepower throughout the campaign, ensuring direct progression to the last 16.
Their ability to grind out results and win key fixtures kept them ahead of several European heavyweights. Bayern will avoid the playoff round entirely, focusing instead on preparing for their Round of 16 opponents when the draw happens later in February.
3. Liverpool (England)
Liverpool booked their place in the Round of 16 with an emphatic performance on Matchday 8, including a 6–0 win over Qarabag that confirmed their automatic qualification. Under manager Arne Slot, the Reds showed attacking fluidity and defensive resilience throughout the league phase.
Their strong Premier League form carried over into Europe, helping them secure one of the eight direct slots. Liverpool will now look ahead to the Round of 16 draw with confidence.
4. Tottenham Hotspur (England)
Tottenham Hotspur claimed a top-eight finish thanks to their consistent league phase campaign. Entering the competition as Europa League winners, Spurs balanced European and domestic commitments to secure direct entry into the Round of 16 without needing playoffs.
Their disciplined approach and clutch performances in crucial matches ensured they stayed ahead of several traditional European powers. This achievement reflects Tottenham’s growth under their coaching staff and positions them among the contenders for continental success this season.
5. FC Barcelona (Spain)
Barcelona confirmed their automatic Round of 16 qualification with a commanding 4–1 victory over Copenhagen on the final matchday, finishing comfortably inside the top eight of the league phase. The Catalans showed their quality with both creative attacking play and tactical solidity throughout the campaign.
This achievement ensures that Barça avoid the knockout playoffs and can focus on preparing for their Round of 16 tie. Their strong finish highlights a promising season in Europe.
6. Chelsea FC (England)
Chelsea sealed a top-eight finish and direct Round of 16 qualification after a crucial 3–2 win at Napoli in the final leg of the league phase. The Blues combined resilience and clinical attacking moments to secure enough points to bypass the playoff round.
This direct qualification reflects a significant improvement in European form, as Chelsea now prepares to take on one of the playoff winners in the Round of 16 draw.
7. Sporting CP (Portugal)
Sporting CP secured their place among the top eight with a thrilling late win on the final matchday, propelling them into the Champions League Round of 16. The Portuguese side demonstrated grit and determination throughout the league phase, earning key results against strong opponents.
Sporting’s success underscores their tactical cohesion and competitiveness on Europe’s biggest stage. Direct qualification allows them to skip the knockout playoffs and focus on a challenging tie in the Round of 16.
8. Manchester City (England)
Manchester City completed the eight automatic qualifiers with a strong showing in the final phase of matches. Their comprehensive performances in the league led them comfortably inside the top eight, avoiding the playoff hurdles.
Under Pep Guardiola, City’s tactical versatility and depth of squad were key to maintaining consistent results across Europe and domestically. Direct qualification for the Round of 16 allows them to prepare strategically for their next Champions League tie without the uncertainty of the playoff round.
9. Atletico Madrid (Spain)
Atlético Madrid secured their passage with a dominant 4-1 second-leg victory over Club Brugge, completing a 7-4 aggregate win at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Diego Simeone’s side showed their trademark resilience and firepower to overturn a first-leg deficit. They now await Friday’s draw, where they will face either Liverpool or Tottenham in the Round of 16.
10. Bodø/Glimt (Norway)
In the story of the play-off round, the Norwegian champions made history by becoming the first club from their country to reach the Champions League Round of 16.
They achieved this feat in stunning fashion, dismantling last season’s finalists Inter Milan with a remarkable 5-2 aggregate victory. Their fairytale run continues as they prepare to face either Manchester City or Sporting CP.
11. Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side demonstrated their quality and defensive solidity by being the only play-off team to keep two clean sheets.
They dispatched Greek side Olympiacos with a composed 2-0 aggregate victory. Leverkusen now have a challenging tie ahead, knowing they will face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the last 16.
12. Newcastle United (England)
The Magpies continued the Premier League’s dominance by qualifying for the Champions League Round of 16 for the first time in their history.
Eddie Howe’s team was utterly convincing, thrashing Qarabag 9-3 on aggregate, including a stunning 6-1 away win in the first leg. They now await a tie against either Barcelona or Chelsea.
13. Atalanta (Italy)
La Dea pulled off a sensational comeback to book their place in the last 16. After losing the first leg 0-2 to Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta stormed back with a 4-1 second-leg victory to win 4-3 on aggregate.
The match was filled with drama, featuring a last-minute winning penalty and three red cards. Their reward is a tie against either Arsenal or Bayern Munich.
14. Galatasaray (Turkey)
Galatasaray progressed in the most dramatic fashion, needing extra time to overcome Juventus.
After winning the first leg 5-2, they lost the second leg 0-3 to force extra time, where goals from Victor Osimhen and Baris Yilmaz secured a memorable 7-5 aggregate victory. They will now face either Liverpool or Tottenham.
15. Paris Saint-Germain (France)
PSG navigated a tricky all-French affair against Monaco, advancing with a 5-4 aggregate scoreline. Despite a strong challenge from their Ligue 1 rivals, Luis Enrique’s side showed their quality to move on.
They now look ahead to a Round of 16 clash, where they will face either Barcelona or Chelsea.
16. Real Madrid (Spain)
The defending champions avoided any upset, overcoming Benfica with a 3-1 aggregate win to avenge their defeat to the same side in the group stage.
Arbeola’s squad, packed with experience, managed the tie effectively. Los Blancos now prepare for a potential blockbuster tie against either Manchester City or Sporting CP.
Who will Arsenal face in the Round of 16?
The draw on Friday will not only determine Arsenal’s last-16 opponent but will also map out their entire potential path to the Budapest final. Based on the bracket structure, here is a hypothetical but realistic route the Gunners could face:
Round of 16: Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen
Quarter-Finals: The winner of a potential blockbuster tie between Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Semi-Finals: A possible showdown against the winner of a tie involving PSG, Chelsea, or Tottenham Hotspur.
Final: A potential clash with Bayern Munich, who are the favorites to emerge from the other half of the bracket.
The draw for the Round of 16 will take place on Friday, February 27th, at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
The first legs are scheduled for March 10th and 11th, with the return fixtures a week later on March 17th and 18th.
For Arsenal and the other 15 remaining clubs, the dream of lifting the trophy in Budapest is still very much alive.
The official Round of 16 draw will take place after the play-offs conclude, on 27 February 2026.
Who will Manchester City play in the Round of 16?
Similarly, Manchester City (top eight seed) will not know their Round of 16 opponent until after the play-offs and the draw.
Possible opponents for Man City from the knockout play-offs include:
• Real Madrid
These are all among the teams ranked 9–24 who will contest the knockout play-offs for a place in the Round of 16.
The specific matchup will be confirmed in the Round of 16 draw on 27 February 2026 after the play-off ties (on 17/18 & 24/25 Feb 2026) are completed.
Champions League Round of 16 schedule
Know who your favorite team will be facing when the UEFA Champions League resumes in the Round of 16 knockout stage.
For the 2025/26 Champions League, the Round of 16 matches are scheduled for March 10/11 (first legs) and March 17/18 (second legs).
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Champions League Round of 16 schedule – 1st leg matches
The Round of 16 first leg matches will be held on 10 and 11 March 2026.
| Date | Time | Round of 16 1st leg matches | Score | Watch&Bet |
| 10 Mar 2026 | 17:45 GMT | Galatasaray vs Liverpool | 0-1 | Watch&Bet > |
| 10 Mar 2026 | 20:00 GMT | Atalanta vs Bayern Munich | 1-6 | Watch&Bet > |
| 10 Mar 2026 | 20:00 GMT | Atlético Madrid vs Tottenham Hotspur | 5-2 | Watch&Bet > |
| 10 Mar 2026 | 20:00 GMT | Newcastle United vs Barcelona | 1-1 | Watch&Bet > |
| 11 Mar 2026 | 17:45 GMT | Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal | 1-1 | Watch&Bet > |
| 11 Mar 2026 | 20:00 GMT | FK Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting CP | 3-0 | Watch&Bet > |
| 11 Mar 2026 | 20:00 GMT | Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea | 5-2 | Watch&Bet > |
| 11 Mar 2026 | 20:00 GMT | Real Madrid vs Manchester City | 3-0 | Watch&Bet > |
Champions League Round of 16 schedule – 2nd leg matches
The Round of 16 second leg matches will be held on 17 and 18 March 2026.
| Date | Time | Round of 16 2nd leg matches | Score | Watch&Bet |
| 17 Mar 2026 | 17:45 GMT | Sporting CP vs Bodø/Glimt | 5-0 (5-3 Agg.) | Watch&Bet > |
| 17 Mar 2026 | 20:00 GMT | Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen | 2-0 (3-1 Agg.) | Watch&Bet > |
| 17 Mar 2026 | 20:00 GMT | Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain | 0-3 (2-8 Agg.) | Watch&Bet > |
| 17 Mar 2026 | 20:00 GMT | Manchester City vs Real Madrid | 1-2 (1-5 Agg.) | Watch&Bet > |
| 18 Mar 2026 | 17:45 GMT | Barcelona vs Newcastle United | 7-2 (8-3 Agg.) | Watch&Bet > |
| 18 Mar 2026 | 20:00 GMT | Bayern Munich vs Atalanta | 4-1 (10-2 Agg.) | Watch&Bet > |
| 18 Mar 2026 | 20:00 GMT | Liverpool vs Galatasaray | 4-0 (4-1 Agg.) | Watch&Bet > |
| 18 Mar 2026 | 20:00 GMT | Tottenham Hotspur vs Atlético Madrid | 3-2 (5-7 Agg.) | Watch&Bet > |
Champions League Round of 16 matches results – the aggregate score and results for both first and second leg matches!
Here is the aggregate score and results for all Champions League Round of 16 first leg and second leg matches:
| Round of 16 matches | Aggregate score and results | 1st leg results | 2nd leg results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sporting CP vs Bodo/Glimt | 0-3 | 5-0 (a.e.t.) | 5-3 |
| Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen | 1-1 | 2-0 | 3-1 |
| Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain | 2-5 | 0-3 | 2-8 |
| Manchester City vs Real Madrid | 0-3 | 1-2 | 1-5 |
| Barcelona vs Newcastle United | 1-1 | 7-2 | 8-3 |
| Bayern Munich vs Atalanta | 6-1 | 4-1 | 10-2 |
| Tottenham Hotspur vs Atletico Madrid | 2-5 | 3-2 | 5-7 |
| Liverpool vs Galatasaray | 0-1 | 4-0 | 4-1 |
Champions League Round of 16 Fixtures
For the 2025/26 Champions League, the Round of 16 matches are scheduled for March 10/11 (first legs) and March 17/18 (second legs).
Here are all the key dates for the knockout stages:
| Stage | Draw Date | First Leg | Second Leg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knockout Phase Play-offs | Jan 30, 2026 | Feb 17/18, 2026 | Feb 24/25, 2026 |
| Round of 16 | Feb 27, 2026 | Mar 10/11, 2026 | Mar 17/18, 2026 |
| Quarter-finals | No separate draw | Apr 7/8, 2026 | Apr 14/15, 2026 |
| Semi-finals | No separate draw | Apr 28/29, 2026 | May 5/6, 2026 |
| Final | N/A | May 30, 2026 (Budapest) |
Champions League Round of 16 draw rules
Here are some of the Champions League Round of 16 draw rules.
The schedule is shaped by the new “Swiss Model” format, which features a single league phase followed by these knockout rounds.
Path to the Round of 16: Only the top 8 teams from the 36-team league phase advance directly to the Round of 16. Teams finishing 9th to 24th enter the Knockout Phase Play-offs in February. The 8 winners from those play-offs fill the remaining spots.
The Draw Determines the Path: The Round of 16 draw on February 27 is crucial. It uses a fixed bracket based on league positions. This single draw sets the matchups for the entire knockout stage (quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final), with no further draws needed.
Current Qualification Status (as of Jan 22): The final league matches are on January 28. So far, only two teams are guaranteed a top-8 finish and a direct spot: Arsenal and Bayern München.
Many other top clubs, including Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City, are still competing for the remaining six direct spots. Watch & Bet on Football =>
Champions League Round of 16 Live Stream
Free streaming of the Champions League Round of 16 is what most of us are searching for.
There are various sites where you can observe live UEFA Champions League Round of 16 stream. Be that as it may, the best site to observe live games on is LiveSoccer TV.
This site has all that you need. It shows live stream postings, TV Schedules, Results, up and coming matches, and so on. Besides, channels are authorized to communicate the UEFA Champions League Matches in numerous nations over the world.
Notwithstanding that, you don’t need to stroll with your PC to watch the match, all you need is to go to the application store or google play to get the application.
It is simple as 1,2,3. You have the chance to watch the game any place you are. You don’t have to surge back to your home to watch the Champions League Round of 16 games.
All you need is your telephone. Live soccer TV is truly dependable and has investigated universal broadcast listings for longer than 10 years.
Here are some live streaming websites that provide free Champions League Round of 16 matches live online:
- bet365 stream
- Unibet TV
- Wiziwig
- FirstRowSports
- Cricfree Soccer
- RojaDirecta
- LiveFootballol
- StarSports
- Stream2Watch
- LiveSoccerTV
To watch a bet365 stream users must be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Geolocation restrictions apply for some countries. Watch & Bet on Football =>
Champions League Round of 16 2025/26
Here you can read more about Champions League Round of 16 2025/26:
- Champions League Golden Boot Winners List
- Players with most Champions League goals
- Champions League top scorers
- Champions League each season’s leading goal scorer
- Most Assists in Champions League
All officials news on the Champions League can be found at UEFA.com. Watch & Bet on Football =>
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