Champions League bracket: See path to glory for soccer’s biggest clubs

The bracket is set for the 2026 Champions League knockout stage, with the path to glory mapped out for 24 of Europe’s top soccer teams.

Sixteen teams must navigate a two-legged playoff to secure a spot in the Round of 16, including reigning champion Paris Saint-Germain and 15-time winner Real Madrid. PSG faces Monaco in the playoff round, while Real Madrid takes on Benfica.

The playoffs begin on Feb 17 with second legs scheduled a week later. The Round on 16 starts on March 10 with the 2026 final taking place May 30 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.

Champions League draw knockout bracket

Champions League playoff fixtures

• Monaco vs Real Madrid
• Galatasaray vs Juventus
• Benfica vs Real Madrid
• Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
• Qarabag vs Newcastle United
• Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid
• Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan
• Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen

How to watch UEFA Champions League

Watch every Champions League game on Paramount+

UEFA Champions League schedule

Playoff round

• First legs: Feb. 17 and 18
• Second legs: Feb 24 and 25

Round of 16

• First legs: March 10 and 11
• Second legs: March 17 and 18

Quarterfinals

• First legs: April 7 and 8
• Second legs: April 14 and 15

Semifinals

• First legs: April 28 and 29
• Second legs: May 5 and 6

Final

• May 30 in Budapest

When is the Champions League final?

The 2026 UEFA Champions League final is scheduled for May 30 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.