UEFA Champions League 2024/25: how will the competition format change?

UEFA has decided to alter the format of the Champions League starting from the 2024/25 season. The tournament kicks off on July 9, 2024, and concludes on May 31, 2025. Here's everything you need to know about the new format.

What is the new Champions League format?

The most significant change is in the group stage, where instead of being divided into groups, teams will compete in a round-robin format. The number of participating teams has also increased to 36. Each team will face 8 different opponents (4 at home, 4 away). The top 8 teams will advance directly to the round of 16, while teams ranked 9th to 24th will compete in a direct knockout playoff, with the winners progressing to the final 16. From thereon, the knockout stage proceeds as before.

When do the Champions League 2024/25 qualifiers take place?

First Qualifying Round: July 10/16 & 17/24, 2024

Second Qualifying Round: July 24/30 & 31/August 6, 2024

Third Qualifying Round: August 7/13 & 14/20, 2024

Playoff: August 21/27 & 22/28, 2024

When do the group stage matches of the Champions League 2024/25 take place?

Matchday 1: September 17–19, 2024

Matchday 2: October 1/2, 2024

Matchday 3: October 22/23, 2024

Matchday 4: November 5/6, 2024

Matchday 5: November 26/27, 2024

Matchday 6: December 10/11, 2024

Matchday 7: January 22, 2025

Matchday 8: January 29, 2025

When do the knockout stage matches of the Champions League 2024/25 take place?

Playoff Round: February 12/18 & 19/25, 2025

Round of 16: March 4/5 & 12/13, 2025

Quarter-finals: April 8/9 & 15/16, 2025

Semi-finals: April 29/30 & June 7, 2025

Final: May 31, 2025

When is the draw for the Champions League 2024/25?

First Qualifying Round: June 18, 2024

Second Qualifying Round: June 19, 2024

Third Qualifying Round: July 22, 2024

Playoff: August 5, 2024

Group Stage: August 29, 2024

Playoff Round: January 31, 2025

Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals: February 21, 2025

Where is the Champions League 2025 final taking place?

The UEFA Champions League 2024/25 final will be held at the Allianz Arena in Bayern Munich, the same venue that hosted the final in the 2011/12 season.

What does the Champions League winner receive?

The UEFA Champions League trophy, standing at 73.5cm and weighing 7.5kg.

The season 2024/25 champion also secures a spot in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 in case they do not qualify through their domestic league. They will also earn the right to play against the winner of the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 in the UEFA Super Cup 2025.