Need to know
The draw for the Champions League play-off round draw will take place this week as Manchester City are set to learn their fate in the competition
The UEFA Champions League trophy is seen on the stage ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase Draw
The Champions League knockout stage is nearly upon us(Image: Photo by Claudio Lavenia - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Champions League play-off round draw date, time and how to watch:
Draw Date: The draw for the Champions League play-off round is set to occur this Friday, January 30, 2026. It takes place two days following the conclusion of league phase fixtures.
Start Time: Proceedings will officially commence at 12pm CET, which translates to 11am GMT for UK audiences.
Location: Following tradition, the ceremony will take place at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland. This serves as UEFA's headquarters.
Live Stream: You can view the draw without charge via the official UEFA.com website. Viewers will also have access through the UEFA Champions League app.
Alternative Viewing: Numerous leading sports broadcasters (including TNT Sports in the UK) usually broadcast the draw live across their television channels and online platforms.
Who is Involved: The draw includes the 16 clubs that secured positions between ninth and 24th in the single league table. The leading eight sides bypass this stage and advance directly to the Round of 16.
Seeding Rules: Clubs positioned ninth to 16th will receive seeding and will host the second leg of their play-off encounter at home.
Match Dates: Following the confirmation of pairings, the opening legs will take place on February 17 and 18. The second legs are scheduled to begin on February 24 and 25, 2026.
READ THE FULL STORY ON HOW MANCHESTER CITY CAN QUALIFY AUTOMATICALLY FOR THE KNOCKOUT STAGE:What Man City need to do to qualify automatically for the Champions League knockouts