The UEFA Champions League remains Europe’s premier club soccer competition, showcasing elite teams, rising stars, and unforgettable moments. For many fans globally—and increasingly in the U.S.—it represents the pinnacle of club achievement.
If you’re in the United States, there are several reasons to care about the 2025‑26 Champions League: improved access via streaming and broadcast partners, a growing presence of American players in European clubs, and high stakes with the new format still fresh and generating excitement. In this guide, we’ll explore what the 2025‑26 season brings: its format, rules, top clubs to watch, where to watch in the U.S., plus some fun bonus facts and gear to back your fandom.
What is the Champions League?
The UEFA Champions League is an annual club competition organized by UEFA (Union of European Football Associations). It began in 1955 as the European Champion Clubs’ Cup; it was renamed and restructured in 1992 as the Champions League, with expanded group stages and greater global reach.
It’s widely viewed as the top-tier club competition in world soccer. National leagues (like the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga) determine domestic champions and qualifiers; continental cups like Copa Libertadores or the CONCACAF Champions Cup are similarly prestigious, but for different regions. The Champions League generally offers the biggest platform, exposure, and financial reward in European club soccer
How the Format Works
Qualification
Teams earn entry based on their domestic league finish, cup results, and UEFA country coefficients. Stronger leagues (England, Spain, Germany, Italy, France) get multiple spots; smaller leagues fewer. Qualification rounds start in summer—clubs from lower-ranked associations play earlier rounds.
League Phase (Swiss‑Model)
Since the 2024‑25 season, the Champions League uses the Swiss model. For 2025‑26:
At season end: the top 8 teams in the league table go directly to the Round of 16. Teams ranked 9‑24 enter a knockout playoff round to fill out the Round of 16.
Total of 36 clubs in the league phase.
Each club plays eight matches against eight different opponents.
For full details, see the updated format from UEFA.
Knockout Rounds
Once the Round of 16 is set (after the playoffs), the tournament proceeds through two‑legged ties in Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals. The Final is a single match at a neutral venue. For 2025‑26, the final is set for 30 May 2026 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.
Key Rules to Know
- Tie‑Breaking & No Away Goals: As before, there is no longer an away goals rule in two‑legged ties. If aggregate is tied, matches go to extra time, then penalty shootout if still tied. Head‑to‑head results, goal difference, and goals scored are used in ranking rounds.
- VAR (Video Assistant Referee): Used in all matches for reviewing clear and obvious errors in goal situations, penalty decisions, direct red cards, and major offside incidents.
- Draw and Seeding: Seedings in the league phase are determined by club coefficients. The matchups in knockouts (including playoff round, Round of 16, etc.) are drawn, often with restrictions (e.g., clubs from same association sometimes cannot meet in earlier knockout rounds depending on rules).
- Qualification & Coefficients: Performance in both domestic leagues and European competition over recent seasons influences how many teams from a country qualify and how seeds are allocated.
For more on these see “Champions League tie‑breaking rules” explainer sources (e.g. via ESPN).
Top Clubs to Watch (2025‑26)
Here are elite clubs likely to be UCL contenders in 2025‑26, why they matter, and what to watch for:
| Club | What makes them contenders |
|---|---|
| Real Madrid | Still holders of the most Champions League titles; strong squad, excellent European pedigree. Their experience in tight knockout ties makes them dangerous. |
| Bayern Munich | Always among the favorites. Strong roster, depth, and a style that can dominate. Consistency is one of their trademarks. |
| Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG) | Defending champions (won first title in 2025). Big ambitions, star players, and motivated to defend their crown. |
| Manchester City | Deep squad, elite tactical management under Pep Guardiola. Even if they have ups and downs domestically, they are always capable in Europe. |
| Liverpool | Massive summer investment with signings like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and depth across positions. Strong domestic form and tactical consistency under Arne Slot make them serious UCL contenders. |
| Barcelona | In a transition phase, but with high potential, especially with rising stars and renewed tactical focus. |
U.S. & American Player Highlights
There are a number of U.S. men’s national team players in clubs competing in the 2025‑26 Champions League league phase: Weston McKennie (Juventus), Tim Weah (Juventus), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Sergino Dest & Ricardo Pepi (PSV), Johnny Cardoso (Atlético Madrid), among others. These players mean more matches where U.S. viewers have a direct stake, both emotionally and for performance tracking.
How to Watch in the U.S.
- CBS Sports continues to hold the English‑language rights. All matches are streamed via Paramount+, often with matches also available on CBS broadcast or cable for select fixtures.
- Starting in 2025‑26, DAZN will carry Spanish‑language rights for a number of Champions League matches in the U.S., in partnership with TelevisaUnivision — including exclusive Spanish coverage of some matches.
- Match days typically begin in mid‑September (first league phase matchdays).
For the full schedule, see the official UEFA Champions League schedule page and CBS’s soccer schedule for U.S.-specific times.
Gear Up Like a Pro
To support your team this season and enjoy the full experience, here are some ways to show your allegiance:
- Support your team with the official 2026 UCL jersey — whether it’s Real Madrid, PSG, or any of the top clubs you follow. Official kits are great for matchdays or game nights.
- Pick up authentic boots and training gear from top brands like Nike or Adidas—especially if you play yourself or want premium comfort while watching.
- Collect fanwear—scarves, hoodies, jackets, hats—especially limited editions tied to Champions League branding or club‑special UCL drops.
Make sure you buy from reputable retailers so you get officially licensed merchandise.
Bonus Facts
- 2025 UCL Champion: Paris Saint‑Germain won their first Champions League title in the 2024‑25 final, defeating Inter Milan in a dominant performance.
- Final Venue for 2025‑26: The final will be held at Puskás Aréna in Budapest on 30 May 2026.
- Number of teams in the league phase: 36.
- USMNT Players: As referenced above, several U.S. players are active in this season’s Champions League, giving American fans players to root for.
The 2025‑26 Champions League season promises high drama, fresh storylines, and plenty of reasons for U.S. fans to tune in. Between elite clubs, rising American stars, and improved broadcast access, there’s more opportunity than ever to be part of the experience.
If you’re curious to deepen your understanding, check out our related guides on Champions League history, standout U.S. players in Europe, or club-specific fandom gear. And when matchday comes—don your team’s kit, gear up, and enjoy the journey.
FAQ
What is the Champions League and who organizes it?
The UEFA Champions League is Europe’s top club football competition, organized by UEFA (the Union of European Football Associations). It brings together clubs that qualify through their domestic leagues and cups.
How do teams qualify for the Champions League?
Clubs qualify based on their final positions in domestic leagues, and in some countries via cup victories. The number of spots per country depends on UEFA’s coefficient rankings. Lower-ranked nations go through qualification and playoff rounds.
What is the format of the Champions League for 2025‑26?
The 2025‑26 season uses the Swiss‑model league phase: 36 clubs, each playing eight matches against different opponents. The top 8 go directly into the Round of 16; teams ranked 9‑24 enter playoff ties for remaining Round of 16 spots. Then two‑legged knockout rounds leading to a single‑match final.
Where can I stream Champions League games in the U.S.?
You can stream most or all matches via Paramount+ in English, with CBS Sports airing select fixtures. For Spanish‑language coverage, DAZN (in partnership with TelevisaUnivision) holds rights for many matches in the U.S.
Which clubs have won the most UCL titles?
Real Madrid leads by a large margin with 15 titles. Other historically successful clubs include AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Barcelona.