When is the Champions League last 16 draw? Date, format, seeding explained
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Champions League last 16 draw is set to take place on Friday, February 27, 2026, in Nyon, Switzerland, at 11:00 GMT. This pivotal moment will determine the matchups for the knockout stage, including the quarterfinals and semifinals, as well as the final destination of European football's most prestigious club competition. The draw will pair the eight winners from the playoff round with the top-eight league stage finishers, creating a thrilling bracket that could shape the tournament's outcome.
Among the standout teams, Real Madrid faces an intriguing potential clash with Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon, while Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) could meet Barcelona or Chelsea. Liverpool is set to encounter either Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray, adding to the excitement of this stage. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Bayern Munich are seeded to enjoy home advantage in their second legs during the quarterfinals if they progress that far.
The draw also features surprise packages like Bodo/Glimt, a tiny Norwegian club from the Arctic Circle, which has defied expectations by reaching the last 16 after defeating Inter Milan in the playoffs. Similarly, Galatasaray's thrilling victories against Juventus have earned them a place in the knockout stage, adding unpredictability to the competition.
The last-16 fixtures will be played over two legs in March, with the quarterfinals and semifinals scheduled for April and May. The final is set to take place at Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30. This draw not only sets the stage for a competitive tournament but also offers fans a chance to witness potential high-profile matchups and upsets, making it a must-watch event for football enthusiasts globally.
For readers interested in world news, this event highlights the global appeal of sports and its ability to unite fans across borders. The Champions League's unpredictability and the stakes involved make it a significant cultural and entertainment event, capturing attention beyond just football supporters.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026