Champions League new format set to pit Europe’s giants against each other

The much-anticipated UEFA Champions League draw for the league phase of the 2025/26 season will take place today, Thursday, at 5pm UK time at UEFA headquarters in Nyon.

This marks only the second time in the competition’s history that the draw will follow the newly introduced Swiss-style league format, replacing the traditional group stage.

Under the revamped system, all 36 qualified teams will be placed in a single league table, rather than drawn into eight groups of four as in previous seasons. Each team will play eight matches — four at home and four away — against eight different opponents from across the pots.

Ahead of today’s draw, UEFA finalized the seeding pots on Wednesday night, categorizing the clubs based on their coefficient rankings and recent European performances.

The new format is expected to generate blockbuster matchups throughout the league phase, with top clubs almost certain to face multiple elite opponents.

The new draw mechanics have already ignited fan speculation, as powerhouse clubs face the prospect of early high-stakes clashes: Barcelona could be drawn against two of the following European heavyweights: Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayern Munich.

READ ALSO: 2 Teams that qualify for the round of 16 of UEFA Champion’s League

Arsenal, returning to the competition with renewed ambition, may face two of: Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Barcelona.

Chelsea, also back in the Champions League, could square off with two of: Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid.

The league phase, which begins in September, promises an intense schedule as clubs compete not only for progression into the knockout rounds but also for ranking positions that could determine home advantage or playoff scenarios later in the competition.

With today’s draw expected to create headline-grabbing fixtures from the outset, football fans across the globe will be watching closely to see how the continental chessboard is set for Europe’s premier club tournament.

UEFA is set to stream the ceremony live, and the full match schedule will be released shortly after the draw concludes.