UEFA Champions League Kicks Off With Exciting Matches Across Europe

PARIS, France — The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League commenced today, Sept. 16, marking the return of Europe’s premier club football tournament. Teams from across the continent will compete, offering fans a chance to see their favorite clubs face off against top-tier opponents.

Paris Saint-Germain, last year’s champions, secured their first European Cup title in May 2025 with a resounding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan. Both clubs return to competition this year, joined by other heavyweights such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona.

For football fans in the United States, streaming options are available on Paramount+, which will air every match from today until the final on May 30, 2026. Subscriptions start at $7.99 per month for ad-supported plans, with an ad-free version available for $12.99. New subscribers can also take advantage of promotional offers for annual subscriptions.

This season marks the second year of a new format that replaces the traditional group stage with a league phase involving 36 teams. Each club will face eight different opponents, half at home and half away, allowing for a more dynamic competition. The top eight clubs will automatically advance to the Round of 16, while those finishing between 9th and 24th will compete for remaining spots in a knockout playoff.

Throughout the next three days, fans can look forward to six matches each day, with two starting at 12:45 p.m. ET and four at 3:00 p.m. ET. Matchdays two and three will take place on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

As teams prepare for the competition, the excitement builds among players and supporters alike. Eddie Howe, manager of Newcastle United, expressed eagerness to progress further than the club’s previous Champions League appearance two years ago. He believes the squad’s depth will be crucial as they aim for success this season.

As the stage is set for thrilling encounters, fans can expect high-stakes matches and memorable moments throughout this UEFA Champions League season.