The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League season will start with the first qualifying round on July 8 and 9, 2025, with the second legs on July 15 and 16, 2025. The league phase (group stage replacement) will kick off later on September 16 to 18, 2025. The final of the tournament will be held on May 30, 2026, in Budapest, Hungary. Here is a brief timeline of the key start dates for the 2025/26 season:
- First qualifying round: July 8-9, 2025 (second leg July 15-16)
- League phase starts: September 16-18, 2025
- Final: May 30, 2026 (Budapest)
The draw for the league phase takes place on August 28, 2025, and the knockout rounds begin in February 2026 after the league phase concludes.
