The qualifying rounds are complete and we have the 32-team field for the 2022/23 Champions League group stage. The wait now begins for the kickoff to the group stage just a short time following the draw.
The group stage draw takes place on Thursday August 25 and it will determine the four-team groups and the subsequent matchups. After that, fans will only need to wait a few weeks for the group stage to get underway on Tues-Wed, Sept. 6-7.
September has always been the traditional start date for the Champions League group stage matches and it will be the same this time around. What’s different about this season is how compressed the rest of the calendar will be with the World Cup around the corner.
The Sporting News brings you all the information to get ready for the Champions League group stage and beyond.
MORE: Which teams are in the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League?
When does Champions League start? Group stage kickoff
Just a couple of weeks after the draw, the first matchday will take place on Sept. 6-7 as all six rounds of group stage games will be completed before the break for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Players are required to be released to their national teams for the World Cup on Monday, Nov. 14, and so the final Champions League group matches will fit that timeline with the sixth and final matchday coming on Nov. 1-2.
The Champions League group stage typically included a December round of matches in years past, but that was moved up due to the World Cup schedule. The 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup will be the first held in the November-December timeframe.
MORE: Who will win the 2022/23 Champions League? Updated odds
How to watch the 2022/23 Champions League
Here are the official broadcasters of the UEFA Champions League in select territories around the world.
| Country | TV channel | Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| UK | BT Sport 1/BT Sport Ultimate | BT Sport app, BTSport.com |
| USA | CBSSN, Univision, TUDN | fuboTV, Paramount+, ViX+ |
| Australia | — | Stan Sport |
| Canada | — | DAZN |
Champions League dates 2022/23
All six matchdays in the UEFA Champions League group stage will be completed by November 2, wrapping up prior to the international break for the 2022 World Cup.
Here are the match dates for the entire 2022/23 tournament from the group stage through to the final.
Group Stage (32 teams):
- Matchday 1: Sept. 6-7
- Matchday 2: Sept. 13-14
- Matchday 3: Oct. 4-5
- Matchday 4: Oct. 11-12
- Matchday 5: Oct. 25-26
- Matchday 6: Nov. 1-2
Knockout Stage (played in 2023):
- Rd. of 16: Feb. 14/15 & 21/22 (Leg 1) & Mar. 7/8 & 14/15 (Leg 2)
- Quarterfinals: April 11-12 (Leg 1) & April 18-19 (Leg 2)
- Semifinals: May 9-10 (Leg 1), & May 16-17 (Leg 2)
- Final: June 10
MORE: When and where is the 2023 Champions League final?
Where is the Champions League final 2023?
All roads during the 2022/23 tournament will lead to Turkey.
The 2023 final is due to be played at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, a place which holds special memories for Liverpool.
The venue was the location for their famous 2005 Champions League triumph, where they fought back from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan on penalties.