Full 2025/26 Champions League play-off schedule with fixtures, US kickoff times, and TV and streaming options for American soccer fans
Full 2025/26 Champions League play-off schedule with fixtures, US kickoff times, and TV and streaming options for American soccer fans

The knockout play-off round of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 marks the start of true do-or-die football. Under UEFA’s expanded format, teams finishing 9th to 24th in the league phase now face a two-leg play-off to secure one of the final eight places in the Round of 16.

For fans in the United States and other major markets, this round offers a packed schedule of elite matchups, clear viewing options, and high-stakes drama spread across two decisive weeks in February.

Play-off Format and Key Dates

The knockout play-offs are played over two legs, home and away:

  • First legs: 17–18 February 2026

  • Second legs: 24–25 February 2026

If the aggregate score is level after both matches, extra time and penalties will decide the winner. Teams ranked 9th–16th in the league phase are seeded and host the second leg, a significant advantage in Europe.

Read more: Best Free Sites to Watch UEFA Champions League Online Anywhere in the World (Updated)

Confirmed Knockout Play-off Fixtures

play-off Champions League 2025/26
Play-off Champions League 2025/26

The official draw has produced a mix of heavyweight clashes and compelling underdog stories:

  • Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain

  • Galatasaray vs Juventus

  • Benfica vs Real Madrid

  • Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta

  • Qarabağ vs Newcastle United

  • Club Brugge vs Atlético de Madrid

  • Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan

  • Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen

The standout tie for many US viewers is Benfica vs Real Madrid, a matchup between two European giants with recent history. Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s trip to Qarabağ highlights how the new format has expanded the competitive landscape beyond traditional power centers.

Kickoff Times by Time Zone

All Champions League matches kick off at 21:00 CET locally. Here’s what that means for international audiences:

First & Second Legs – Kickoff Times

  • United States (ET): 3:00 PM

  • United States (CT): 2:00 PM

  • United States (MT): 1:00 PM

  • United States (PT): 12:00 PM

  • United Kingdom (GMT): 8:00 PM

  • Central Europe (CET): 9:00 PM

  • Australia (AEDT): 7:00 AM (next day)

For US fans, the afternoon kickoffs make these matches ideal weekday viewing, especially on the East Coast.

How to Watch the Champions League Play-offs

Broadcast rights vary by region, but coverage is comprehensive across major markets.

United States

  • CBS Sports Network (select matches)

  • Paramount+ – full live coverage and replays

  • CBS Sports Golazo Network – highlights and studio shows

Paramount+ remains the primary destination for American viewers, offering every match live with English commentary.

United Kingdom

  • TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport)

  • Available via cable, satellite, and streaming platforms

Europe (varies by country)

  • Local UEFA broadcast partners, including major national sports networks

  • UEFA’s official platforms provide fixtures, highlights, and match data

Australia

  • Stan Sport – exclusive live coverage of all Champions League matches

  • Matches stream live in the morning due to time difference

Why the Play-off Round Matters

This stage bridges the league phase and the traditional knockout rounds. The eight winners advance to face the league phase’s top eight teams in the Round of 16, with the draw shaping each club’s path toward the final.

With the Champions League final scheduled for 30 May 2026 in Budapest, every goal in February carries long-term consequences. For clubs that missed automatic qualification by narrow margins, the play-offs are both a second chance and a ruthless test.

What US Fans Should Watch For

  • Tactical first legs as teams manage risk away from home

  • More open, aggressive football in the second legs

  • Heavy pressure on seeded teams expected to advance

  • Breakout performances from clubs less familiar to US audiences

As February approaches, the 2025/26 Champions League knockout play-offs promise elite football at convenient viewing times for American fans, with global storylines and European glory on the line.