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Champions League Knockout Draw Set for January 2026

1/28/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The knockout phase draw is set for January 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. GMT in Nyon, Switzerland.
Sixteen teams finishing ninth to 24th will contest two-legged playoffs to join the top eight in the Round of 16.
Playoffs will be held February 17-18 and February 24-25, 2026.
Arsenal and Bayern Munich have qualified for the last 16, and Real Madrid and Liverpool aim for direct qualification.

History

Historical Context

The UEFA Champions League, restructured in 1992, introduced a group stage format that allowed 32 teams to compete, significantly boosting viewership and revenues by over 50%. This evolution reflects ongoing changes in European football, culminating in the upcoming 2024-25 season, which will expand to 36 teams and adopt a new league phase, enhancing competition and inclusivity among clubs like Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

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Story summary

The knockout phase draw is set for January 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. GMT in Nyon, Switzerland.
Sixteen teams finishing ninth to 24th will contest two-legged playoffs to join the top eight in the Round of 16.
Playoffs will be held February 17-18 and February 24-25, 2026.
Arsenal and Bayern Munich have qualified for the last 16, and Real Madrid and Liverpool aim for direct qualification.

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