While the playoffs that will complete the draw are being played, the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League is preparing for one of the most anticipated moments of the calendar: the draw for the round of 16. The event will not only confirm the crossings of the next round, but will also define the path to the grand final of Europe’s most prestigious tournament at club level.
When is the draw for the UEFA Champions League round of 16?
The ceremony will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026 in Nyon, Switzerland, from 6:00 am on the east coast of the United States, 5:00 am in Mexico and 12:00 pm in Spain.
Performance of the week? 🤔#UCL pic.twitter.com/qpzuVIKweG
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 19, 2026
How are the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League drawn?
Unlike previous editions, the procedure will not be completely open. The eight seeds already know the two possible rivals they could face, defined in the previous draw for the competition. That is, the event will determine which of these two options is finalized for each club.
This format shortens the margin of surprise, but increases the expectation, since several matches could offer high-caliber eliminators from the beginning of the decisive phase.
Teams qualified for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League
Half of those classified have already secured their place after finishing in the top positions of the league phase. These teams will be seeded and will occupy pot 1 of the draw: Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon and Manchester City.
The other eight tickets will come from the round of 32. In these keys, important teams such as Juventus, PSG, Real Madrid, Inter or Atlético Madrid are still competing, as well as surprises such as Qarabag or Bodo/Glimt, who are looking to make a splash and get among the 16 best on the continent.
Teams classified for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League
- Arsenal
- Bayern Munich
- Liverpool
- Tottenham
- Barcelona
- Chelsea
- Sporting CP
- Manchester City
Possible round of 16 matches
- Arsenal vs the winner of Olympiaco/Leverkusen or the winner of Dortmund/Atalanta.
- Bayern Munich vs the winner of Olympiacos/Leverkusen or the winner of Dortmund/Atalanta.
- Liverpool vs the winner of Bruges/Atlético de Madrid or the winner of Galatasaray/Juventus.
- Tottenham vs the winner of Bruges/Atlético de Madrid or the winner of Galatasaray/Juventus.
- Barcelona vs the winner of Monaco/PSG or the winner of Qarabag/Newcastle.
- Chelsea vs the winner of Monaco/PSG or the winner of Qarabag/Newcastle.
- Sporting CP vs the winner of Benfica/PSG or the winner of Bodo/Inter.
- Manchester City vs the winner of Benfica/PSG or the winner of Bodo/Inter.
When will the UEFA Champions League round of 16 be played?
The first legs will be played on March 10 and 11, and the second leg on March 17 and 18.
MORE NEWS ABOUT THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
