The Champions League has returned, and with the 2025-26 season officially underway as of September 16, the excitement across Europe is palpable. As the competition adopts its expanded 36-team league format for a second year, fans, pundits, and players alike are bracing for what promises to be a campaign full of twists, history-making moments, and headline clashes. It’s not just the teams that are making waves—UEFA has introduced a historic change to the final’s kick-off time, moving it to 18:00 CET in Budapest on May 30, 2026, a move designed to make the showpiece more accessible for families and global audiences alike.
The early days of the new campaign have already sparked vibrant debate in the world of football punditry. None has been more vocal than Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool stalwart and now a leading analyst with Sky Sports. Carragher didn’t mince words when asked about his favorites for this season’s European crown. “My favorite to win the Champions League is Barcelona. I was really impressed by the way they played last year,” he declared, his confidence in the Catalans clear. Reflecting on their powerful performances in the previous season, Carragher highlighted Barcelona’s knack for navigating the high-stakes knockout phases, suggesting they are perfectly poised for another formidable campaign.
But Carragher’s predictions didn’t stop there. He threw Liverpool into the mix as well, forecasting a dream final between the Spanish giants and the Merseysiders. “I think Liverpool will also make it to the final. It will be a fantastic showdown: Barcelona vs Liverpool,” Carragher added, fueling anticipation for a potential clash of European titans. If his forecast comes true, it would be a rematch for the ages, pitting two of the continent’s most storied clubs against each other with the ultimate prize on the line.
This year’s Champions League isn’t just about the favorites, though. The new league format—now in its second season—has brought fresh faces and record-breaking milestones. For the first time, the group stage features 36 teams, each playing eight matches, a setup that’s already producing historic firsts. Kazakh side Kairat has become the easternmost team ever to compete in the tournament’s group phase, while Norway’s Bodo/Glimt, based above the Arctic Circle, holds the distinction of being the northernmost participant. The diversity of the competition is further underlined by the debut appearances of Cypriot club Pafos and Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise.
In a development that’s raised eyebrows across the continent, this season marks the first time in two decades that no Ukrainian team has reached the group stage. Meanwhile, England has set a new record by sending six clubs into the league phase, underscoring the Premier League’s growing strength and depth.
The league stage promises a feast of high-profile encounters. Bayern Munich will host Chelsea on September 17 in a rematch of their memorable 2012 final, while Newcastle United—bolstered by new signing Nick Woltemade—face a baptism of fire against Barcelona. The fixture list is littered with blockbusters: Barcelona takes on defending champions Paris Saint-Germain on October 1, Liverpool and Florian Wirtz meet Real Madrid on November 4, Arsenal welcomes Bayern Munich on November 26, and Manchester City travels to Madrid to face the record-holding Real on December 10. With so many mouth-watering ties on the horizon, fans are in for a treat.
German hopes, as ever, rest largely on Bayern Munich. The Bavarians have their work cut out for them in a league phase that includes daunting clashes with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain. Still, optimism remains high. Bayern’s head coach Vincent Kompany is determined to go further than last season, when his team exited at the quarterfinal stage. The goal is clear: nothing less than a shot at the trophy will suffice for the Bundesliga giants.
Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt face tougher roads. Dortmund’s unpredictable form leaves fans guessing, while Frankfurt, who memorably lifted the Europa League trophy just three years ago, are being touted as potential dark horses. Their recent European pedigree and fighting spirit could see them spring a surprise or two. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen’s prospects remain uncertain following a coaching change just two games into their Bundesliga campaign.
Beyond the Champions League, German clubs will be looking to make their mark in other European competitions. Freiburg and Stuttgart are eyeing deep runs in the Europa League, while Mainz is dreaming of a fairytale journey to the Conference League final, which will be played in Leipzig on May 27, 2026. The Europa League final itself is set for May 20, 2026, in Istanbul, with the women’s Champions League final scheduled for Oslo in late May.
Europe’s football calendar is more packed than ever, and the demands on players are set to intensify. Just 12 days after the Champions League final in Budapest, the expanded 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11, featuring a record 48 teams and 104 matches. The relentless schedule is sure to spark renewed debates about player workload and squad rotation, especially as clubs and national teams juggle their ambitions on multiple fronts.
UEFA’s decision to move the final to an earlier kick-off time is a nod to changing fan demographics and global viewing patterns. By holding the match at 18:00 CET, organizers hope to make the event more accessible for families and to boost audiences in key international markets. It’s a bold experiment, and all eyes will be on Budapest as the city hosts its first-ever European Cup/Champions League final—a landmark occasion for Hungarian football and for the competition as a whole.
As the group stage unfolds, every match, every upset, and every moment of magic will be scrutinized. With new teams, new records, and a new format, the Champions League’s latest chapter is shaping up to be one of its most unpredictable yet. Will Barcelona live up to Carragher’s billing as favorites? Can Liverpool mount another charge to the final? Or will a dark horse emerge from the shadows to steal the spotlight?
One thing’s for sure: from the opening whistle to the final in Budapest, the road to European glory has never looked more intriguing. Fans from every corner of the continent—and beyond—will be watching as history is made, legends are born, and the beautiful game delivers yet again on its promise of drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.
