UCL 2025/26 Draw: Where to Watch in India and Everything You Need to Know
The Champions League draw — football’s biggest festival — is back. Fans around the world wait eagerly to find out who their team will face in Europe’s biggest competition. And this season, the stakes are even higher.
With the 36-team league phase format entering its second year, the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League promises fireworks right from the start.
If you’re in India and want to catch the action live, here’s everything you need to know.
Everything You Need to Know About the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase Draw
The UEFA Champions League league phase draw for the 2025/26 season will be held on Thursday, 28 August 2025 at the iconic Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.
- Date: 28 August 2025
- Time: 9:30 PM IST
- Venue: Monaco, France
UEFA will stream it globally for free on its official site, while Indian broadcasters will also carry it live.
How Does the Draw Work?
This is the second season under UEFA’s new league phase format — no more traditional groups. Instead, 36 teams are drawn into one big league table.
Here’s how it works:
- Teams are split into four pots based on UEFA coefficients.
- Starting with Pot 1, teams are drawn one by one.
- Each club gets eight opponents (two from each pot: one home, one away).
- Clubs can’t face teams from their own country, and they can’t face more than two teams from the same other nation.
- The full fixture list, with dates and kick-offs, will be announced by 30 August 2025.
Each team will play eight games, and the top performers will qualify directly for the knockouts.
Who Are the Teams That Have Qualified?
As of May 25, 2025, 29 out of 36 spots are confirmed. PSG enter as defending champions. England and Spain both secured extra places thanks to their UEFA coefficient ranking.
| Pot 1 | Pot 2 | Pot 3 | Pot 4 |
| PSG (France, holders) | Arsenal (England) | PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) | Galatasaray (Turkey) |
| Real Madrid (Spain) | Bayer Leverkusen (Germany) | Ajax (Netherlands) | Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium) |
| Manchester City (England) | Atlético Madrid (Spain) | Napoli (Italy) | Athletic Bilbao (Spain) |
| Bayern Munich (Germany) | Atalanta (Italy) | Sporting CP (Portugal) | Newcastle United (England) |
| Liverpool (England) | Villarreal (Spain) | Olympiacos (Greece) | |
| Inter Milan (Italy) | Juventus (Italy) | Slavia Prague (Czech Rep.) | |
| Chelsea (England) | Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany) | Marseille (France) | |
| Borussia Dortmund (Germany) | Tottenham Hotspur (England) | Monaco (France) | |
| Barcelona (Spain) |
England will send six clubs, while Spain will send five.
When and Where to Watch the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Draw Live in India?
Good news — Indian fans don’t have to wake up at odd hours.
- Date: Thursday, 28 August 2025
- Time in India: 9:30 PM IST
- Where: Free live stream on UEFA.com
- TV/Streaming in India: Sony Sports Network
So whether you prefer your TV or your phone, the UCL draw is easily accessible.
When Is the UEFA Europa League Draw?
The Europa League draw will happen the very next day, on Friday, 29 August 2025 4:30 PM IST.
Like the Champions League, it features 36 teams split into four pots, with fixtures decided through UEFA’s digital draw system.
The full Europa League calendar will be released by 31 August 2025.
When Is the UEFA Conference League Draw?
The Conference League draw will take place immediately after the Europa League draw, as part of the same ceremony.
Unlike the UCL and UEL, it has only six rounds in the league phase. Teams are split into six pots of six, with fixtures drawn digitally.
FAQs
How many teams play in the Champions League 2025/26 league phase?
A total of 36 teams will compete under the new format.
Where can I watch the UCL draw live in India?
You can watch it for free on UEFA.com or via Sony Sports Network.
Who are the defending Champions League winners in 2025?
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are the defending champions.
Conclusion
The Champions League draw isn’t just about fixtures. It’s about dreams, rivalries, and the stories waiting to unfold.
With the 2025/26 season bringing back all the heavyweights — plus a few wildcards — the league phase is guaranteed drama.
So mark your calendars: 28 August, 9:30 PM IST. Sit back, stream it, and start imagining those epic European nights.