Budapest is preparing to host one of the world’s most key sporting events in 2026: the UEFA Champions League final at the stunning Puskás Aréna! The draw for the Champions League round of 16 took place Friday, setting the stage for a dramatic spring and revealing a path to the final that includes a compelling storyline for three Hungarian players. The pairings are set, and the road to Budapest is now clear.
The draw, conducted by former Croatian international Ivan Rakitić – a Champions League winner with Barcelona in 2015 – pitted Liverpool against Galatasaray, meaning Hungarian internationals Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez of Liverpool will face off against their compatriot, Galatasaray right-back Sallai Roland. The initial group stage encounter in Istanbul saw Galatasaray emerge victorious with a 1-0 win, adding extra intrigue to the upcoming tie. Dominik Szoboszlai, captain of the Hungarian national team, will be aiming to lead his Liverpool side to success on home soil.
The Champions League draw also saw some other high-profile matchups. Real Madrid will face Manchester City in a repeat of recent clashes, while Paris Saint-Germain will take on Chelsea. Newcastle United will battle Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid will face Tottenham Hotspur. Atalanta will play Bayern Munich, and Bayer Leverkusen will be up against Arsenal. Here’s a complete look at the round of 16 pairings:
- Real Madrid – Manchester City
- Bodø/Glimt – Sporting
- PSG – Chelsea
- Newcastle – Barcelona
- Atlético – Tottenham
- Galatasaray – Liverpool
- Atalanta – Bayern
- Leverkusen – Arsenal
The first legs are scheduled for February 10th and 11th, with the return matches a week later. The exact schedule will be released in the coming hours. The draw also mapped out the quarter-final pairings, dividing the remaining teams into upper and lower brackets. Six English clubs are represented, with three in each half of the draw.
A Familiar Rivalry for Real Madrid
Real Madrid has been drawn against Manchester City, a pairing that has develop into increasingly common in recent years. According to reports, the two sides have met in the Champions League in each of the last four seasons. Manchester City secured a 2-1 victory in Madrid in December 2025, but Real Madrid has prevailed in three of their previous encounters. The 2023 clash was won by Manchester City, who ultimately lifted the trophy that year. Szoboszlai and Liverpool will be watching this matchup closely, as the winner will be a potential opponent later in the tournament.
Path to Budapest: Quarter-Final Lineups
The quarter-final matchups are structured as follows:
- PSG/Chelsea – Galata/Pool
- Real/City – Atalanta/Bayern
- Newcastle/Barcelona – Atlético/Tottenham
- Bodø/Sporting – Leverkusen/Arsenal
Arsenal, currently leading the English Premier League and having finished top of their group, appears to have a relatively favorable path to the semi-finals. However, the upper bracket promises intense competition, with the winner of Real Madrid versus Manchester City likely facing a tough challenge against Bayern Munich. The winner of the upper bracket will have home advantage in the final at the Puskás Aréna.
Hungarian Interest in the Champions League Final
The prospect of a Champions League final in Budapest has generated significant excitement in Hungary. Dominik Szoboszlai has even partnered with Lay’s in a campaign titled “Nincs Lay’s, nincs meccs!” (“No Lay’s, no match!”), joining footballing legends like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Thierry Henry, and David Beckham. The campaign highlights the importance of the matchday experience and the role of snacks in enjoying the game. Szoboszlai is reportedly particular about finding venues that stock his favorite snack while watching matches with friends.
The city of Budapest is renowned for its vibrant pub culture, attracting celebrities and millions of visitors each year who gather to watch football. The upcoming Champions League final is expected to further enhance the city’s reputation as a premier sporting destination. The presence of Hungarian players like Szoboszlai, Kerkez, and Sallai adds an extra layer of national pride and excitement to the event.
The first legs of the round of 16 will be played on February 10th and 11th, with the return legs following a week later. Fans across Europe, and particularly in Hungary, will be eagerly awaiting the kickoff of these crucial matches as the journey to Budapest unfolds. The next confirmed date is the release of the full schedule for the round of 16, which is expected within hours.
Stay tuned to time.news for continued coverage of the Champions League and the road to the final in Budapest. Share your predictions and thoughts on the matchups in the comments below.
