How the Champions League Format Works in 2026-27

Champions League Format is the focus of this guide. The 2026-27 Champions League uses a 36-team league phase rather than traditional four-team groups. Every club is placed in one table but plays only eight matches.

How opponents are chosen

UEFA divides clubs into four seeding pots. Each team faces two clubs from each pot, with one game at home and one away against opponents from each pot.

Points

A win is worth three points, a draw one and a loss zero, just like a domestic league.

Direct qualification

The top eight go straight to the round of 16.

Play-offs

Teams ranked ninth through 24th play two-legged knockout ties for the remaining eight round-of-16 places.

Key dates

Matchday 4 is November 3-4, Matchday 5 November 24-25, Matchday 6 December 8-9, Matchday 7 January 19-20 and Matchday 8 January 27. The final is June 5, 2027 in Madrid.

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