Champions League Draw: Check fixtures, schedule, change in final timings and historic qualification

Champions League Draw: UEFA has revealed major updates for the 2025-26 Champions League, including a historic change to the final’s kickoff time and eye-catching league phase fixtures. Fans are set for thrilling clashes as Kairat Almaty makes history by becoming the easternmost team to reach the group stage. The full schedule is now out, promising high-stakes encounters from Real Madrid vs Liverpool to Barcelona vs PSG.

UEFA announced a major change to the Champions League final from this season onwards, moving the kickoff time to 6 p.m. CET (5 p.m. BST, 12 p.m. ET, 9 a.m. PT). The adjustment aims to enhance the entire matchday experience for fans and broadcasters. The 2026 final will be held at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna, which seats 67,215, marking the first time Hungary hosts Europe’s biggest club football showpiece.

Kairat Almaty makes history

In a stunning achievement on Tuesday, Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty secured a spot in the Champions League league phase after eliminating Celtic Glasgow. Kairat becomes the easternmost team ever to reach this stage, surpassing fellow Kazakh club Astana, which first made history in 2015. Opponents drawn against Kairat will face one of the longest trips in European football, traveling over 5,000 kilometers to Almaty.

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Champions League draw highlights

UEFA has confirmed the full league phase draw, setting the stage for blockbuster clashes. Key fixtures include:

• Real Madrid vs Liverpool
• Barcelona hosting PSG
• Manchester City vs Napoli
• Bayern Munich vs Chelsea

Other notable encounters: Arsenal host Bayern and visit Inter, while Juventus take on Dortmund and Real Madrid. The official league phase schedule will be released on Saturday.

Champions League Confirmed fixtures for top seeds

• Bayern Munich: Chelsea, PSG (h), Club Brugge, Arsenal (a), Sporting, PSV (a), Union SG, Pafos (a)
• Chelsea: Bayern Munich (a), Barcelona, Benfica, Atalanta (a), Ajax, Napoli, Pafos, Qarabag (a)
• Real Madrid: Manchester City, Liverpool (a), Juventus, Benfica (a), Marseille, Olympiacos, Monaco, Kairat Almaty (a)
• Inter: Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund (a), Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Slavia Prague, Ajax (a), Kairat Almaty, Union SG (a)

Champions League Notable pot two to four fixtures

• Arsenal: Bayern Munich, Inter (a), Atletico Madrid, Club Brugge (a), Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, Kairat Almaty, Athletic Club
• Barcelona: Chelsea (a), PSG, Frankfurt, Club Brugge (a), Olympiacos, Slavia Prague (a), Copenhagen, Newcastle (a)
• Kairat Almaty: Real Madrid (h), Inter (a), Club Brugge (h), Arsenal (a), Olympiacos (h), Sporting (a), Pafos (h), Copenhagen (a)

Champions League phase schedule

• Matchday 1: Sept. 16-18
• Matchday 2: Sept. 30-Oct. 1
• Matchday 3: Oct. 21-22
• Matchday 4: Nov. 4-5
• Matchday 5: Nov. 25-26
• Matchday 6: Dec. 9-10
• Matchday 7: Jan. 20-21, 2026
• Matchday 8: Jan. 28, 2026

The Champions League returns with new challenges, historic milestones, and a fresh schedule, promising intense action for fans and punters alike.

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FAQs:

• When is the 2026 Champions League final?
• At 6 p.m. CET at Puskás Aréna, Budapest.
• Which team made a historic qualification?
• Kairat Almaty from Kazakhstan.
• When will UEFA release the official league schedule?
• Saturday, ahead of the first matchday in September.
• What are some key fixtures?
• Real Madrid vs Liverpool, Barcelona vs PSG, Bayern Munich vs Chelsea, Manchester City vs Napoli.