All about the Champions League playoff draw as Five English clubs, led by Arsenal, reach the knockout phase.
The UEFA Champions League’s new-look knockout phase is about to get its first real stress test, with the inaugural knockout phase play-off draw setting up a bumper slate of two-legged ties before the traditional round of 16. The play-offs effectively act as a filter between the expanded league phase and the business end of the competition, adding an extra hurdle for clubs who finished outside the top eight but still harbour dreams of lifting the trophy in Budapest on 30 May 2026.
Where will the Champions League knockout phase playoff draw happen?
UEFA will conduct the knockout phase play-off draw at its headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, at 12:00 CET on Friday 30 January 2026. The play-off first legs are scheduled for 17–18 February, with the return fixtures on 24–25 February, slotting in ahead of the round of 16 in March. UK broadcasters are expected to show the draw live across their Champions League rights packages, with the ties themselves available on the usual subscription channels and streaming apps that cover UEFA’s premium competition.
All the Teams Involved in the Champions League Knockout Playoffs
Benfica scored a last minute goal via goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin to displace Marseille on Goal Difference and qualify for the knockout playoffs. Real Madrid succumbed to 9th position and will have two play two additional matches to qualify for the knockout stage. Holders PSG will also have to suffice with a place in the knockout playoffs.
Reigning holders PSG join them in the play-offs alongside Inter Milan, Newcastle, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Olympiacos, Club Brugge, Galatasaray, AS Monaco, Qarabag, and Bodo/Glimt. These 16 teams will contest two-legged ties, with seeding determining home advantage for the second leg.
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Which Teams Have Qualified for the Knockout Stage
Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, and Manchester City have secured direct qualification to the Champions League round of 16, bypassing the play-offs after topping the league phase standings.
Newcastle United were the sole English side to miss automatic progression, dropping into the knockout phase play-offs. Arsenal stand out as the only team to advance unbeaten and never trailing in the group stage, underscoring their dominance ahead of the knockout draw.
Who Are the Favourites to Win the Champions League?
According to latest odds, Arsenal are the firm favourites to win the Champions League. Mikel Arteta's side dominated the group stages and secured qualification with a 100% win rate.
| Champions League Winner | Best Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 4/1 | 888Sport |
| Bayern Munich | 9/2 | Skybet |
| PSG | 7/1 | William Hill |
| Man City | 8/1 | BetVictor |
| Barcelona | 9/1 | William Hill |
Arsenal lead the market with an implied win probability of around 20%, reflecting their unbeaten league phase and early knockout qualification. Bayern Munich follow closely in the 18–20% range, buoyed by strong domestic form and Harry Kane's scoring prowess.
PSG sit third with roughly 12–14% implied chances as defending champions, though play-off involvement tempers expectations. Manchester City carry about 11% probability despite recent inconsistencies, while Barcelona round out the top five at 10%, leveraging attacking firepower led by Lewandowski.
