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League: Champions LeagueSport: SoccerCountry: GlobalCategory: Scores & Results

Champions League draw format confirmed ahead of upcoming season

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 12:50 PM

Last updated Aug 25, 2026

Champions League draw format confirmed ahead of upcoming season
Summary

The Champions League's draw format for the upcoming season has been established, with the final seven of 36 participants to be confirmed by Wednesday evening after playoff matches. Clubs will be divided into four pots based on their UEFA coefficient. This season resumes on September 8, 2026, with each team playing eight matches in total, four home and four away. This will culminate in a single table format where the top eight teams secure direct places in the Round of 16, while teams ranked ninth through 24th enter a playoff to compete for the remaining spots.

Source Links
Yahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •Final seven participants confirmed after second-leg playoffs.
  • •Teams divided into four pots for the draw.
  • •Matches kick off on September 8, 2026.
  • •Top eight teams qualify directly for Round of 16.
  • •Remaining teams compete in playoffs for the final spots.
Latest Updates
  • 12:50 PMYahoo Sports — Champions League: Draw, Opponents, Format, Schedule
  • 12:40 PMYahoo Sports — Champions League: draw, opponents, format, fixtures
What they're saying
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ParticipantsThe final seven of the 36 participants will be determined late Wednesday evening after the final whistle of the playoff second-leg matches. They will be distributed into four pots of nine ...

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ParticipantsThe final seven of the total 36 participants will be confirmed late on Wednesday evening after the end of the second-leg playoff matches. They will be divided into four pots of nine clubs ...

Related Teams & Leagues
Bayern MunichBorussia DortmundChampions LeagueSoccer

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