Sports
When is the draw for the Champions League play-off round? Time, date and how to watch
Need to know
The Champions League play-off round draw commences this week
Champions League play-off round draw date, time and how to watch:
- Draw Date: The draw for the Champions League play-off round is scheduled to take place this Friday, January 30, 2026. It commences two days after the final round of league phase fixtures.
- Start Time: It will officially begin at 12am CET, which is 11am GMT for viewers in the UK.
- Location: As is tradition, the ceremony will be held at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland. That is the headquarters of UEFA.
- Live Stream: You can watch the draw live for free via the official UEFA.com website. Viewers will also be able to watch through the UEFA Champions League app.
- Alternative Viewing: Many major sports broadcasters (such as TNT Sports in the UK) typically carry the draw live on their linear channels and digital platforms.
- Who is Involved: The draw features the 16 teams that finished between ninth and 24th place in the single league table. The top eight teams skip this round and go straight to the Round of 16.
- Seeding Rules: Teams ranked ninth to 16th will be seeded and will play the second leg of their play-off tie at home.
- Match Dates: Once the pairings are decided, the first legs will be played on February 17 and 18. The return legs are set to commence on February 24 and 25, 2026.
- READ THE FULL STORY ON WHO PREMIER LEAGUE TEAMS CAN FACE IN THE QUARTER-FINALS: Champions League draw latest and who Liverpool and Arsenal can face in quarter finals
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