The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League knockout round is underway as the final hurdle before the 16-team quarterfinal field is set, which finalizes the 2026 Champions League bracket and creates the opportunity for one of the most exciting formats in soccer. The brackets go live on February 27, and you can fill out your 2026 UCL bracket and enter 2026 Champions League bracket pools on CBSSports.com and on the CBS Sports app.
Brackets are one of the simplest and most interactive ways to create UCL pools, which are similar to NCAA Tournament bracket pools run on CBSSports.com. Players simply pick the team they think will advance from each stage of the 2026 Champions League playoffs, and points are rewarded based on each correct pick. Create Champions League bracket picks of your own to compete against friends and family, and enter your picks into the CBS Sports UCL Bracket Challenge for a chance to win a trip to London, including tickets to a UCL match and a tour of the UCL Today set. With the action so close, now is the time to set up your 2026 UEFA Champions League pool.
If you’re looking for a UCL bracket game home, CBS Sports is the perfect platform to use. You can play Bracket Games on the CBS Sports App for free and you could win big prizes.* Sign up right here.
How to create a 2026 UEFA Champions League pool with friends and family
There is a CBS Sports UEFA Champions League Bracket Challenge giving you the chance to win a trip to London to watch a UCL match and tour the UCL Today set. It’s easy to qualify for this epic trip. Simply click this link, click the “Join Now” button and enter.* Fill out your UEFA Champions League bracket before Round of 16 play begins.
Once you’ve entered CBS Sports UEFA Champions League Bracket Game, you can also set up your own 2026 UCL pools on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports app. When you go to the website, hover your mouse over the Fantasy tab until you find the CBS Sports UCL Bracket Games logo.
Click on that logo to be redirected to the CBS Sports UCL Bracket Games page. Once you’re logged in, you’ll see a “Create Pool” button to click on and once you’ve finished choosing your UCL bracket pool settings, you’ll be able to copy the URL and send it to your friends and family.
2026 UEFA Champions League Knockout phase teams to watch
Now that you know where to play 2026 UCL Bracket Games, here are some teams to watch as the 2026 Champions League Knockout phase approaches:
Arsenal FC: The English Premier League leaders won all eight of their matches during the league phase, outscoring their opponents 23-4 in the process to produce the best goal differential in the competition. Arsenal have opened a six-point lead on Manchester City in the EPL, so they’ll still have a somewhat split focus, but this is their best chance yet at notching a UEFA Champions League title. Expect Mikel Arteta to dial in for these matchups and they should be well-rested thanks to the bye that comes with being a top-eight seed.
Chelsea: Chelsea went 5-1-2 to finish sixth in Champions League play and avoid the knockout stage. They won their two UCL matches in the 2026 calendar year. Chelsea defeated Pafos, 1-0, on Jan. 21 and then Napoli, 3-2, on Jan. 28, with Joao Pedro scoring the final two goals of the match for the comeback win. He scored in the 61st minute to tie the score at 2, then scored the eventual winner in the 82nd minute. Chelsea won UCL titles in 2012 and 2021, and look to advance to their first quarterfinal since 2023. Pedro has dominated in Europe this season, leading the Premier League with 26 points. His 10 goals are also two more than any other player in the league, as he’ll be an integral player in determining how far Chelsea advances in 2026 UCL brackets. Join the 2026 UCL Bracket Game here.
How to enter 2026 UEFA Champions League Bracket Games
Sign up now before brackets are unlocked after the Round of 16 Draw. Visit CBSSports.com/UCLBracket or play on the CBS Sports App.
*No purchase necessary. See rules for details.
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