Overview

• UEFA conducted the Monaco draw to fix each club’s eight opponents under the second season of the league-phase format with 36 teams.
• Defending champions PSG drew heavyweight ties against Barcelona and Bayern Munich in their first-phase slate.
• Real Madrid’s schedule includes meetings with Manchester City and Liverpool and a lengthy away trip to debutant Kairat Almaty.
• Kairat Almaty, Pafos and Bodø/Glimt make their Champions League debuts, bringing unusually long travel and climate considerations for visitors.
• The league phase runs 16 September to 28 January, play-offs are set for February, knockouts for March–April, and the final for 30 May 2026 at Budapest’s Puskás Arena; Mexican players Rodrigo Huescas (Copenhagen) and Álex Padilla (Athletic Club) are among those set to feature.