Champions League Play-off Draw 2025/26 LIVE: Latest news and updates

Hello everyone and welcome to MARCA in English's live blog for today's Champions League Play-Off Draw 2025/26, where we will be bringing you the latest updates as the knockout phase matchups are decided in Nyon, Switzerland.

This is a pivotal moment in the European football calendar and the start of the most unpredictable and exciting part of the season.

After the second season of the revamped 'Swiss model' league phase involving 36 teams competing in a single table, the top eight have already secured direct qualification to the Round of 16, while 16 sides -- from ninth through 24th -- now await their fate in the play-off draw.

Today's draw will determine the knockout paths teams will take in the next phase of the competition, with seeded and unseeded clubs paired for two-legged ties that will take place in February. This is where the drama really begins.

Several huge names -- including Real Madrid, PSG, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan -- will discover who they face next as they bid to join the elite eight already through to the last 16. We'll be tracking every key moment from the ceremony as fates are cast.

From heavyweight clashes to potential grudge matches, this draw sets the tone for February's high-stakes clashes and the narrative for the rest of the competition.

We'll have all the details right here as they unfold keeping you informed and prepared for what's ahead in the world's premier club tournament. Stay with us as we bring you minute-by-minute updates and context for every draw made.

Champions League 2025/26 Play-off Draw: Latest updates of the draw ceremony

When is the Champions League Play-Off Draw?

The Champions League Play-Off Draw 2025/26 takes place on Friday, 30 January 2026, kicking off at around 12:00 CET / 11:00 GMT / 6:00 a.m. ET from the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.

Where to Watch the Champions League Play-Off Draw

The draw will be streamed live on UEFA.com and via the official UEFA Champions League app. Broadcast coverage is also available on partner networks such as TNT Sports in the UK and Paramount+ in the United States.