Champions League Round of 16 Draw: European Giants Await Knockout Fate
NYON, 27 February 2026 – The road to the 2026 final continues today as UEFA prepares to conduct the draw for the Champions League round of 16. Following the conclusion of the newly formatted play-off round, the final sixteen teams have been confirmed, with French champions Paris Saint-Germain among those awaiting their next opponent.
The Draw Procedure and Schedule
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 12:00 CET (11:00 GMT) at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Under the revised 2025/26 format, the draw will determine the bracket for the remainder of the tournament, including the quarter-finals and semi-finals. The eight teams that finished at the top of the initial league phase are seeded, while the eight winners from the knockout play-offs—which concluded on 25 February—complete the field.
Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the hat following a hard-fought play-off victory against AS Monaco, progressing with a 5-4 aggregate score. Meanwhile, Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt provided the shock of the round by eliminating Inter Milan to reach this stage of the competition for the first time.
Key Dates for the Knockout Phase
| Stage | Scheduled Dates |
|---|---|
| Round of 16 (First Leg) | 10–11 March 2026 |
| Round of 16 (Second Leg) | 17–18 March 2026 |
| Quarter-finals | 7–15 April 2026 |
| Semi-finals | 28 April – 6 May 2026 |
Qualified Teams and Potential Matchups
The Premier League remains heavily represented with Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Newcastle United all progressing. Arsenal and Liverpool enter as high seeds after dominant league phase performances, meaning they will avoid other top-ranked sides like Bayern Munich in the immediate round.
Real Madrid also confirmed their presence in the draw after overcoming Benfica. Due to the bracket system introduced this season, today’s draw will not only decide the round of 16 fixtures but will also map out the potential path to the final, allowing fans to see which heavyweights could meet in the later stages in April and May.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the draw in France?
In France, the draw will be broadcast live on Canal+ starting at 11:45. It will also be available via UEFA’s official digital platforms for international viewers.
How does the seeding work this year?
The top eight teams from the league phase are seeded and will play the second leg of the round of 16 at home. They are drawn against the eight winners of the knockout play-off round.
Are there country protections in the draw?
From the round of 16 onwards, the “country protection” rule is generally relaxed compared to previous formats, though UEFA’s automated system ensures all technical conditions of the new bracket format are met during the live ceremony.