The UEFA Champions League is home to the biggest clubs, stars and matches in world soccer. Every season, Europe’s top teams battle through league play and knockout rounds for a chance to lift one of the most prestigious trophies in sports: the European Cup.
Whether you’re following the League Phase, knockout rounds or the UEFA Champions League Final, here’s everything you need to know about how to watch Champions League matches live in the United States.
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Where to Watch UEFA Champions League in the US
Fans in the United States can watch UEFA Champions League matches across CBS platforms and Paramount+ throughout the season.
UEFA Champions League TV Channels & Streaming
- CBS – Select marquee matches and the Champions League Final
- CBS Sports Network – Additional tournament coverage and studio analysis
- Univision – Spanish-language coverage
- Paramount+ – Live streaming for every Champions League match
Paramount+ carries every Champions League fixture live, making it the primary streaming home for the tournament in the U.S.
UEFA Champions League Schedule
The UEFA Champions League season runs from the fall through late spring, culminating in the Champions League Final in May.
2025-26 UEFA Champions League Key Dates
| Stage | Dates |
| League Phase | Sept. 2025 – Jan. 2026 |
| Knockout Playoffs | Feb. 17-18 & Feb. 24-25, 2026 |
| Round of 16 | Mar. 10-11 & Mar. 17-18, 2026 |
| Quarterfinals | Apr. 7-8 & Apr. 14-15, 2026 |
| Semifinals | Apr. 28-29 & May 5-6, 2026 |
| UEFA Champions League Final | May 30, 2026 |
UEFA Champions League Final Coverage
How Does the UEFA Champions League Format Work?
The UEFA Champions League features Europe’s top professional soccer clubs competing across multiple stages throughout the season.
League Phase
Teams earn points during league play:
- Win = 3 points
- Draw = 1 point
- Loss = 0 points
The top clubs advance to the knockout rounds, while lower-ranked teams are eliminated from the competition.
Knockout Stage
Beginning with the Knockout Playoffs and Round of 16, teams compete in two-leg aggregate matchups:
- One home match
- One away match
The club with the higher aggregate score across both matches advances to the next round.
If aggregate scores are tied after both legs:
- Extra time is played
- Penalty kicks determine the winner if necessary
The tournament concludes with the UEFA Champions League Final, a single championship match played at a neutral site.
Top Teams in the UEFA Champions League
Every season features many of the world’s most successful soccer clubs, including:
- Real Madrid
- Arsenal
- Barcelona
- Bayern Munich
- Liverpool
- Manchester City
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Atlético Madrid
- Inter Milan
- Chelsea
The Champions League regularly showcases many of the sport’s biggest stars and fiercest rivalries on the global stage.
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Frequently asked questions
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Can I watch Champions League matches on DIRECTV?
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