UEFA Champions League knockout stage draw: Where to watch, live stream, teams, seeds, potential matchups

The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League is about to unveil its knockout roadmap as the competition enters its decisive phase. After a dramatic league phase and playoff round that produced seismic shocks, the 16 remaining contenders will learn their Round of 16 opponents when the draw is conducted Friday at 6 a.m. ET, live on the CBS Sports Golazo Network and streaming on Paramount+.

The playoff round delivered two of the tournament’s biggest upsets: Inter and Juventus, both Italian powerhouses, were sent packing after two-leg defeats to Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray respectively. In contrast, Real Madrid eliminated Jose Mourinho’s Benfica to secure their place among the final 16. Those results set the stage for a seeded draw in which the top eight finishers from the league phase will each be paired with one of the eight playoff victors, who placed between ninth and 24th in the standings.

All ties from this point forward will be played over two legs, with aggregate score determining the winner. The away-goals rule has been scrapped; if the aggregate is level after 180 minutes, matches will go to extra time and, if required, penalties. The Round of 16 first legs are scheduled for March 10, launching the sprint toward the May 30 final in Budapest.

Viewers in the United States can follow every moment of the draw and all subsequent matches live on Paramount+. CBS Sports will also host an interactive Bracket Challenge, allowing fans to create pools, compete against friends, and vie for a grand prize that includes a trip to London, two Champions League match tickets, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the UCL Today set.

With 36 teams trimmed to 16, Europe’s premier club competition is down to its heavy hitters. Friday’s draw will finalize the bracket and set the narrative for a spring packed with high-stakes drama.