Liverpool are back on Europe’s biggest stage, the UEFA Champions League, and the nerves are already kicking in. After a year away in 2022/23, the Reds returned last season, topped the new league phase, but then saw their run cut short by Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
Arne Slot’s team will want to make sure this season has a different ending. The Champions League trophy has not been lifted at Anfield since that famous night in Madrid back in 2019, and the target is clear — number seven.
The draw for the 2025/26 league phase takes place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. It starts at 5:00 p.m. BST (9:30 p.m. IST) on Thursday.
Fans in the UK can watch it live on TNT Sports 1, while streaming is available on UEFA.com, discovery+, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. In India, Sony Sports Network will show the event, with SonyLIV streaming online. Viewers in the US can follow on Paramount.
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How the Champions League draw works
Just like last season, the Champions League has 36 clubs split across four pots. Paris Saint-Germain, the defending champions, are placed in Pot 1.
Liverpool, also in Pot 1, will be drawn against two teams from each of the other three pots. Country protection applies, meaning the Reds cannot face other English sides in this stage.
The software-driven draw ensures eight opponents per club, one home and one away from each pot. Pairings are capped at two teams per nation, so for example, Liverpool will not face both Real Madrid and Barcelona along with Athletic Club.
If fans are looking for drama, the draw will deliver. Imagine Liverpool travelling to Bayern and Juventus, or hosting Ajax and Galatasaray under the Anfield lights. That’s the magic of Europe — sometimes it’s samba, sometimes it’s chaos.
The full fixture list will be released by August 30, with matchday one starting September 16. Buckle up, Reds fans. The road to Budapest 2026 begins now, and the draw could be as tricky as a last-minute VAR check.
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Champions League pots
| Pot 1 | Pot 2 | Pot 3 | Pot 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris (FRA) | Arsenal (ENG)* | Tottenham (ENG)* | Copenhagen (DEN) |
| Real Madrid (ESP) | Leverkusen (GER) | PSV Eindhoven (NED) | Monaco (FRA) |
| Man City (ENG)* | Atleti (ESP) | Ajax (NED) | Galatasaray (TUR) |
| Bayern München (GER) | Benfica (POR) | Napoli (ITA) | Union SG (BEL) |
| Liverpool (ENG)* | Atalanta (ITA) | Sporting CP (POR) | Qarabağ (AZE) |
| Inter (ITA) | Villarreal (ESP) | Olympiacos (GRE) | Athletic Club (ESP) |
| Chelsea (ENG)* | Juventus (ITA) | Slavia Praha (CZE) | Newcastle (ENG)* |
| Borussia Dortmund (GER) | Frankfurt (GER) | Bodø/Glimt (NOR) | Pafos (CYP) |
| Barcelona (ESP) | Club Brugge (BEL) | Marseille (FRA) | Kairat Almaty (KAZ) |
Champions League 2025/26 key dates
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| League Phase | |
| Matchday 1 | 16–18 September 2025 |
| Matchday 2 | 30 September – 1 October 2025 |
| Matchday 3 | 21–22 October 2025 |
| Matchday 4 | 4–5 November 2025 |
| Matchday 5 | 25–26 November 2025 |
| Matchday 6 | 9–10 December 2025 |
| Matchday 7 | 20–21 January 2026 |
| Matchday 8 | 28 January 2026 |
| Knockout Phase | |
| Play-offs | 17–18 & 24–25 February 2026 |
| Round of 16 | 10–11 & 17–18 March 2026 |
| Quarter-finals | 7–8 & 14–15 April 2026 |
| Semi-finals | 28–29 April & 5–6 May 2026 |
| Final | 30 May 2026 (Budapest, Puskás Arena) |