The 12th edition of the UEFA Youth League will take place from September 16, 2025 to April 20, 2026.

According to a statement on the official UEFA website, in autumn 2025, tournament participants will be divided into two paths — the Champions Path and the League Path. Both of them will be expanded compared to the previous season's format.

Qualification

The tournament has been adapted to the new format of UEFA's main club competitions. It will feature 36 youth teams representing clubs from the overall stage of the Champions League-2025/2026 (Champions Path).

The Champions Path will include winners of youth championships in all UEFA associations. If a club qualifies through both the Champions Path and the League Path, it will automatically be directed to the Champions Path. The vacated spot on the League Path will be filled by the second-place finisher from the corresponding league. If even the second place winner qualifies through the Champions Path, no one gets their spot. In other words, "Dynamo" as the champion of Ukraine's U-19 already guarantees its participation in the UEFA Youth League, but if the club's main team reaches the Champions League, a European slot will also go to Shakhtar.

The winner of the UEFA Youth League automatically qualifies for the Champions Path if they do not qualify through the Champions League path.

Initial stages

The tournament on the Champions Path will repeat the first six rounds of the overall stage of the senior competition. Participants will play six matches, three at home and three away. The top 22 clubs will advance to the round of 16.

The tournament on the League Path will consist of three rounds, held in a knockout format with two-legged ties (home and away). Clubs from associations with the highest ranking will start the competition from the second round. After the third round, 10 clubs will advance to the round of 16.

Knockout stage and final phase

Starting from the round of 16, a knockout format will be used. The winner of each tie will be determined by the result of one match. Clubs ranked 1st to 6th (Champions Path) will immediately qualify for the round of 16 and play against clubs in positions 17-22. Clubs ranked 7th to 16th in the round of 16 will face teams that have qualified through the League Path.

The draw will determine the pairings for the rounds of 8, 4, and 2.

The tournament will conclude with a final phase involving four teams (semifinals and final), which will be played at the Colovray Stadium in Nyon.

Calendar

Champions Path

Drawing: August 28, Monaco.

Round 1: September 16/17/18.

Round 2: September 30/October 1.

Round 3: October 21/22.

Round 4: November 4/5.

Round 5: November 25/26.

Round 6: December 9/10.

League Path

Drawing: September 1, Nyon.

First matches of the first round: September 17.

Second leg matches of the first round: October 1.

First matches of the second round: October 22.

Second leg matches of the second round: November 5.

First matches of the third round: November 26.

Second leg matches of the third round: December 10.

Knockout stage

Drawing for the round of 16: December 12, Nyon.

Round of 16: February 3/4, 2026.

Drawing for the knockout rounds from round of 8 onwards: February 6, 2026, Nyon.

Round of 8: February 24/25, 2026.

Semifinals: March 17/18, 2026.

Finals: April 17, 2026 (Colovray Stadium, Nyon).

Final: April 20, 2026 (Colovray Stadium, Nyon).