Champions League Last-16 Matchups Announced

Blockbuster rematches and newcomers highlight the round of 16 draw

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Champions League round of 16 draw has been announced, featuring several high-profile rematches from the group stage as well as the return of some teams to this stage of the competition after long absences. Highlights include Paris Saint-Germain hosting Chelsea, Real Madrid welcoming Manchester City, and Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt making its first appearance in the Champions League knockout rounds.

Why it matters

The Champions League round of 16 is always a highly anticipated stage of the competition, as the field narrows and the stakes get higher. These matchups feature some of the biggest clubs and players in world football, setting the stage for thrilling clashes and potentially decisive moments in the race for European glory.

The details

The standout ties include a rematch of last year's Club World Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, as well as a fifth straight year that Real Madrid and Manchester City have met in the Champions League knockout rounds. Meanwhile, Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt is making its first ever appearance in the Champions League last-16, having qualified as the surprise package from the group stage.

  • The Champions League round of 16 starts on Tuesday, March 12, 2026.
  • The first leg matches will be played on March 12 and 13, with the return legs scheduled for March 19 and 20.

The players

Kylian Mbappé

The star forward for Paris Saint-Germain, who is a doubt for the first leg against Chelsea due to a knee injury.

Erling Haaland

The prolific Manchester City striker, who scored the winning goal when the two teams met in the group stage earlier this season.

Liam Rosenior

The current Chelsea manager, who previously coached against PSG while in charge of Strasbourg in Ligue 1.

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What they’re saying

“It's under control, every day he's better. Right now, it's all good news.”

— Álvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid coach (kob.com)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Champions League round of 16 first leg matches will be played on March 12 and 13, with the return legs scheduled for March 19 and 20. The winners of these ties will advance to the quarterfinals, which are set to take place in April.

The takeaway

The Champions League round of 16 draw has set up some mouthwatering matchups, with several high-profile rematches and the return of some teams to this stage of the competition after long absences. These ties will no doubt capture the attention of football fans around the world as the race for European glory intensifies.