UEFA Champions League — 2025/26 season guide
New league phase format, knockout windows, Final venue and the safest path to resale.
By Tixticks Editorial · Updated April 25, 2026
TL;DR — key facts
- Season window
- Sep 2025 – May 2026
- Format
- League phase (8 matches per team) + knockouts
- League phase ends
- Late January 2026
- Round of 16 starts
- Mid-February 2026
- Final
- Late May 2026 — see UEFA host announcement
- Buyer guarantee
- Tixticks 150% Money-Back Guarantee on every UCL listing
The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 runs from September 2025 to May 2026 with the new league phase format introduced in 2024/25. Each team plays 8 league-phase matches against 8 different opponents (4 home, 4 away). Top 8 advance directly to the Round of 16; teams 9-24 play a Round of 16 play-off; teams 25-36 are eliminated.
Tixticks lists verified UCL resale tickets across every league-phase and knockout fixture in England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France and beyond. This guide covers the new format, knockout windows and ticket-allocation realities for international buyers.
New league phase format
36 clubs enter the league phase. Each plays 8 different opponents (4 home, 4 away) over 8 matchdays from September to January. Top 8 advance directly to the Round of 16; teams 9-24 enter a play-off round; teams 25-36 are eliminated entirely (no UEL parachute).
Matchday windows: Tuesday and Wednesday, with kickoffs typically at 18:45 and 21:00 CET. Two slightly off-peak kickoffs are added for the early matchdays.
Knockout rounds
Round of 16 play-off (teams 9-24): mid-February 2026. Round of 16 proper: late February / early March. Quarter-finals: April. Semi-finals: late April / early May. Final: late May.
UEFA holds the Round of 16 draw immediately after the league phase concludes; quarter and semi-final draws follow each round.
Ticket-allocation realities
Direct allocations from clubs are usually members-only. The visiting club’s away allocation is small and typically reserved for travelling supporters. International neutrals buy via the regulated resale market — Tixticks lists every league-phase and knockout fixture.
Knockout pricing rises sharply 7-10 days before each leg. The Final follows its own demand curve from the moment finalists are confirmed.
Travel notes for the Final
UEFA confirms the Final venue roughly two seasons in advance. Hotel and flight prices spike in the host city the night of the Final; book accommodation as soon as the venue is confirmed if you want neutral inventory at face value.
Tixticks lists hospitality and standard tickets for the Final; check the /vip page for premium hospitality with catering and lounge access.
Frequently asked questions
How does the new UCL league phase work?
When are UCL knockout draws?
Are UCL Final tickets refundable?
Can I buy hospitality for the UCL Final?
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