The 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League, played for the first time under its new format, has already proven to be a tournament full of twists and unforgettable moments. From fierce group clashes to dramatic knockout battles, the journey will soon reach its climax at the Allianz Arena, where Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are set to contest the final later this month.

Yet while one season nears its conclusion, fans are already turning their attention to the future. The question on everyone’s mind is clear: When will the draws for the 2025-2026 Champions League take place, and how can they be watched live?

A Tournament of 36 Teams

UEFA has confirmed that the 2025-2026 season will again feature 36 participating clubs in the main competition. This structure not only brings more diversity to the tournament but also guarantees that the top European teams are present, keeping the level of competition as fierce as ever. For football lovers, this means a richer mix of playing styles and more matches that carry real weight from the very start.

Imagine powerhouse clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, or Manchester City being drawn against challengers from Portugal, the Netherlands, or Eastern Europe. That sense of unpredictability is exactly why the Champions League draw is considered a spectacle in its own right.

Key Draw Dates for the 2025-2026 Season

UEFA will hold seven separate draws across the season, beginning with the qualifiers in June 2025 and ending with the quarter-final and semi-final draw in February 2026.

The first qualifying draw is scheduled for June 17, 2025, followed quickly by the second qualifying round on June 18 and the third qualifying round on July 21. The play-off draw will then be held on August 4, 2025.

But the most anticipated moment arrives later in the summer. The League Phase Draw is set for Thursday, August 28, 2025, in Monaco, with proceedings kicking off at 4:00 PM GMT. This will determine the paths of Europe’s biggest clubs as they embark on their Champions League campaigns.

After the group stage, further draws will follow: the knockout play-off draw for the Round of 16 is set for January 30, 2026, while the quarter-final and semi-final draw will be held on February 27, 2026.

How to Watch the Champions League Draw Live

Fans across the Middle East and North Africa will be able to watch the event through beIN Sports, which holds the broadcasting rights for the competition. The draw will be shown live on beIN Sports News, a free-to-air channel available on multiple satellites.

For international audiences, UEFA also streams the ceremonies directly on its official website and digital platforms. Whether you’re tuning in on your television, laptop, or smartphone, you can follow every moment as it happens.

The UEFA Champions League is more than just football—it’s a story of anticipation, rivalries, and dreams that begin with the draw itself. The 2025-2026 edition promises more excitement than ever, with 36 teams battling for glory under UEFA’s refined format.

As the date approaches, all eyes will turn to Monaco, where the fate of Europe’s biggest clubs will be decided. Mark August 28, 2025 on your calendar, because that is the day when the road to the UEFA Champions League Final 2026 officially begins.