Champions League Round of 16 Draw: Everything You Need to Know About the Date and Time

The 2025–26 Champions League is approaching its decisive phase, with the knockout playoffs delivering an exciting preview of the captivating action expected as the wet winter months transition into a more vibrant spring season.

Eight teams have been patiently awaiting the continuation of their European journeys, while others have battled through (with different levels of commitment) to secure their place in the round of 16 and keep alive their aspirations of reaching the Champions League final in Budapest.

The round of 16 draw will not only create eight matchups, but will also outline each club's route to the Puskás Arena. Future adversaries for subsequent rounds will be narrowed down to two and four possibilities for the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.

Here's all the essential information about the forthcoming Champions League draw.

When Is the Champions League Round of 16 Draw?

When Is the Champions League Round of 16 Draw?

The Champions League round of 16 draw will occur within 48 hours following the conclusion of the playoff matches, commencing at 11 a.m. GMT (6 a.m. ET, 3 a.m. PT) on Friday, Feb. 27.

The draw ceremony will once again be held at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.

How to Watch the Champions League Round of 16 Draw

How to Watch the Champions League Round of 16 Draw

UEFA will broadcast the Champions League round of 16 draw live on their official platform (UEFA.com, UEFA.tv), along with the Champions League mobile application.

How Does the Champions League Round of 16 Draw Work?

How Does the Champions League Round of 16 Draw Work?

The clubs that secured positions in the top eight of the league phase standings earned direct qualification to the round of 16, and they'll be accompanied by the eight victors from the knockout playoff stage.

Four seeded pairings were established prior to the playoff draw according to their final league positions, and during Friday's draw, the two clubs in each pairing will be placed on opposing bracket sides and compete against two possible opponents in the round of 16.

The draw begins with the clubs ranked seventh and eighth (Sporting CP and Manchester City), and whichever team is selected first from this pairing will be assigned to the silver bracket side. The remaining team will be placed on the blue bracket side. This process continues for the other three pairings, ending with the first and second pairing (Arsenal and Bayern Munich).

Once each team's bracket position is established through the knockout playoff and round of 16 draws, their routes to the final will be revealed on Friday.

Champions League Round of 16 Teams

Champions League Round of 16 Teams

Seeded Teams

Seeded Teams

Unseeded Teams

Unseeded Teams

Potential Round of 16 Fixtures

Potential Round of 16 Fixtures

Full Champions League Knockout Schedule

Full Champions League Knockout Schedule