Champions League Last-16 Matchups Announced

Blockbuster rematches and newcomers highlight the upcoming round

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 debut in the Champions League knockout rounds.

Why it matters

The Champions League round of 16 is always a highly anticipated stage of the competition, with the best teams in Europe facing off for a spot in the quarterfinals. These matchups will feature some of the biggest names and rivalries in world football, as well as the Cinderella story of Bodø/Glimt, which is looking to continue its surprising run in the tournament.

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 the latest installment of the rivalry between Real Madrid and Manchester City. Galatasaray and Newcastle are also returning to the Champions League knockout rounds for the first time in over a decade. Bodø/Glimt, the Norwegian club that has already defeated both Manchester City and Inter Milan at home, will host Sporting Lisbon in the first leg.

  • The Champions League round of 16 starts on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
  • The first leg matches will be played on March 11 and 12, with the return legs scheduled for March 18 and 19.

The players

Kylian Mbappé

The star forward for Paris Saint-Germain, who is currently dealing with a knee injury and is a doubt for the first leg against Chelsea.

Erling Haaland

The prolific striker for Manchester City, who scored the winning goal when the team faced Real Madrid in the group stage earlier this season.

Hakon Evjen

The midfielder for Bodø/Glimt, whose goal helped the Norwegian club defeat Inter Milan in the Champions League playoffs.

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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 (newser.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 11 and 12, with the return legs scheduled for March 18 and 19. The winners 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 the return of familiar rivalries and the continued rise of a Cinderella story in Bodø/Glimt. Fans can look forward to high-stakes clashes between some of the best teams and players in the world as the competition reaches its crucial knockout stages.