The 2025–26 UEFA Champions League is set to be the most transformative season in the tournament’s history. With a completely revamped competition structure, more teams, and more matches than ever before, fans around the world can expect a thrilling football season.
This new format not only changes how teams compete—it also changes how fans watch. If you plan to stream matches from outside your home region, using a VPN is essential to bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy unrestricted access.
✅ Get Surfshark VPN – Save 87% + 3 months FREE
4 Easy Steps to Watch Live 2025–26 UEFA Champions League
Here’s how to Stream the 2025–26 UEFA Nations League.
- Download and install Surfshark on your device.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a VPN server in Italy.
- Visit the Rai Play website.
- Click the button and enjoy live Streaming UEFA Nations League matches Countrywide.
✅ Get Surfshark VPN – Save 87% + 3 months FREE
Top 3 VPN to Watch Live 2025–26 UEFA Champions League
These VPNs offer the best speed, security, and access to global Champions League coverage.
1- Surfshark – Overall best VPN to Watch Live 2025–26 UEFA Champions League
Servers — 3200 servers in 100 countries.
Unblocks — Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Hotstar, and Crunchyroll and more.
Torrenting — Offers P2P optimized servers for Torrenting.
Simultaneous connections — Offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
Logs — Strict no-log policy
Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy.
Get Surfshark
Surfshark sets the bar in 2025 with ultra-fast speeds, strong security, and truly unlimited connections — all for just $1.99/mo (Save 87% and get 3 extra months FREE with 24-month plan). It supports nearly every platform, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, Fire TV, Apple TV, and gaming consoles. Ideal for streaming giants like Netflix, Disney+, HBO, and Amazon Prime, Surfshark gives you secure access without breaking the bank.
Surfshark VPN Detailed Review
✅ Get Surfshark VPN – Save 87% + 3 months FREE
2- NordVPN – Top Tier Security for Accessing Live 2025–26 UEFA Champions League
Servers —NordVPN offers over 7,900 servers across 165 countries.
Unblocks — Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, and ITVX, JioHotstar and more.
Torrenting — Offer optimized P2P servers, fast speeds, and robust security features.
Simultaneous connections — Offers 10 simultaneous connections.
Logs — Strict no-log policy
Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy.
Get NordVPN
NordVPN combines top-tier encryption, blazing speeds, and a global server network — all starting at $3.39/mo. It works effortlessly on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and more, with added compatibility for routers and smart TVs. With reliable unblocking for services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, NordVPN is a trusted choice for secure streaming and browsing.
NordVPN Detailed Review
3- ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for Streaming Live UEFA Champions League 2025–26
Servers — 3000+ servers in 105 countries.
Unblocks — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar and Max (formerly HBO Max).
Torrenting — Offers unrestricted access across all its servers, fast speeds, and robust security features.
Simultaneous connections — Offers 8 simultaneous connections.
Logs — Strict no-log policy
Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy.
Get ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN delivers elite performance and unmatched privacy for $4.99/mo. It’s optimized for fast, secure browsing on all major platforms — including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, and smart TVs. Known for its ability to bypass geo-restrictions, it works flawlessly with Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, and more. If speed and security are your top priorities, ExpressVPN Detailed Review.
A New Era: What’s Changing in the Champions League Format?
UEFA has officially replaced the traditional 8-group format with a new structure inspired by the “Swiss model.” This major change is designed to bring more excitement and competitiveness to the group stage.
The League Phase Explained
Instead of 32 teams divided into 8 groups of 4, the new system brings:
36 teams in a single league table.
Each team plays 8 matches against 8 different opponents.
The draw is conducted using a computer to ensure a fair mix of strong and weak teams.
The top-performing 8 teams in the league phase qualify directly for the Round of 16, while teams ranked 9–24 will compete in a new knockout playoff round to fight for the remaining spots.
Full Schedule of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League
Here’s the timeline for the key stages of the tournament:
Qualifying rounds: July 8 – August 27, 2025
League phase: September 16, 2025 – January 28, 2026
Knockout playoffs: February 17–25, 2026
Round of 16: March 10–18, 2026
Quarter-finals: April 7–15, 2026
Semi-finals: April 28 – May 6, 2026
Final: May 30, 2026 – Puskás Aréna, Budapest
These expanded fixtures result in 64 additional matches compared to the previous format, bringing more action and revenue.
More Clubs, More Opportunities
A total of 82 teams from 53 UEFA member nations are involved in the 2025–26 competition. Of those, 36 qualify for the league phase.
Six English clubs participating for the first time, thanks to their UEFA coefficient ranking and Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League victory.
Paris Saint-Germain entering as the defending champions after claiming their first-ever Champions League title.
Smaller clubs like Hamrun Spartans (Malta), Drita (Kosovo), and Noah (Armenia) also get more exposure thanks to the extended qualification structure.
A Fairer Playing Field for Smaller Teams
UEFA has promised a more balanced revenue distribution. In past seasons, larger clubs received up to four times more prize money than others. The new format, with additional matches and a larger league phase, is expected to give smaller teams a greater share of income.
This shift not only improves competitive balance but also creates more opportunities for underdog stories and unexpected upsets.
Why a VPN Is Essential for Streaming the Champions League
With the expanded format and more global interest, not every game will be available in every region. Geo-restrictions often block access to Champions League coverage, especially in countries without broadcasting rights.
Here’s why using a VPN is now more important than ever:
Unblock restricted content on platforms like BT Sport, Paramount+, DAZN, and more.
Bypass blackout zones and watch every match live, regardless of your location.
Enhance streaming privacy and speed, especially on public Wi-Fi networks or throttled ISPs.
By connecting to a VPN server in a region where matches are available, fans can watch the entire Champions League season without missing a moment.
How to Watch the Champions League 2025–26 With a VPN
Choose a reliable VPN provider with fast speeds and a proven record for streaming.
- Install the VPN app on your device (desktop, mobile, or smart TV).
- Connect to a server in a country with broadcast access.
- Log in to the streaming service of your choice and enjoy the match.
Need help choosing a VPN? We’ve reviewed the top options for sports streaming—check out our updated recommendations here.
✅ Get Surfshark VPN – Save 87% + 3 months FREE
Conclusion
The 2025–26 UEFA Champions League will deliver more drama, more matches, and more opportunity than ever before. With a bold new league-based format and broader global access, it’s a must-watch for any football fan.
And with the right VPN, you won’t be limited by geography—you’ll be able to stream every goal, every upset, and every iconic moment as it happens.
Don’t miss a minute of the action. Get your VPN ready before kickoff.