Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham UCL Last-16 Dates Confirmed 2026

Key Points

• Uefa have officially confirmed the dates and kick-off times for the Champions League last-16 ties involving Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur.
• Arsenal will face PSV Eindhoven, with the first leg away on 18 February 2025 and the second leg at home on 4 March 2025.
• Chelsea are drawn against Inter Milan, hosting the first leg on 19 February 2025 and playing the return fixture away on 11 March 2025.
• Tottenham Hotspur will take on Slovan Bratislava, with the away leg on 18 February 2025 and the home leg on 11 March 2025.
• All first-leg matches kick off at 8pm GMT, while second-leg kick-offs are set at 5.45pm and 8pm GMT depending on the fixture.
• The draw was conducted in Nyon, Switzerland, following the conclusion of the league phase earlier in the campaign.
• These fixtures mark the return of knockout football in the revamped 36-team league format introduced by Uefa for the 2024-25 season.
• British clubs avoided some of Europe’s biggest names like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the last 16, but face challenging opponents nonetheless.
• Matches will be broadcast live across various platforms in the UK, including TNT Sports and Amazon Prime Video.
• Uefa officials emphasised the competitive nature of the draw, with pathways determined by seeding from the league phase standings.

(North London News) February 27, 2026 – Uefa have confirmed the dates and kick-off times for Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League last-16 ties next month, setting the stage for high-stakes European clashes for the Premier League trio.​

The governing body announced the full schedule following the completion of the league phase, with all three London clubs now knowing their exact dates for the knockout showdowns. Arsenal will travel to face PSV Eindhoven on 18 February 2025 at 8pm GMT, before hosting the return leg at the Emirates Stadium on 4 March 2025.

Chelsea welcome Inter Milan to Stamford Bridge on 19 February 2025, also at 8pm GMT, with the second leg in Italy on 11 March 2025.​

Tottenham, under manager Ange Postecoglou, face Slovan Bratislava first away on 18 February 2025 at 8pm GMT, returning to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the decider on 11 March 2025. The varied kick-off times for second legs—5.45pm or 8pm GMT—reflect Uefa’s scheduling to accommodate broadcast partners and stadium logistics across Europe.

What Are the Exact Fixtures for Arsenal in the Champions League Last 16?

As reported by Jake Stokes of Football.London, Arsenal’s path sees them up against Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven, a rematch of their 2006-07 Round of 16 encounter where Arsenal advanced 2-1 on aggregate.

The first leg is at Philips Stadion on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, with kick-off at 8pm GMT (5.45pm local time). The Gunners host the second leg on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, at the Emirates, also at 8pm GMT.​

Stokes noted that Arsenal, seeded as one of the eight group winners, earned a pathway advantage but must navigate PSV’s attacking prowess led by Johan Bakayoko. Uefa confirmed no changes to the original draw pairings, ensuring the fixture stands as planned. This sets up an intriguing battle, given PSV’s strong home record in Europe this season.

How Will Chelsea Fare Against Inter Milan?

According to the same Football.London coverage by Jake Stokes, Chelsea drew Italian giants Inter Milan, last season’s Champions League finalists. The Blues host the first leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, at 8pm GMT. The return fixture at San Siro follows on Wednesday, 11 March 2025, with kick-off at 8pm GMT.​

Stokes highlighted Chelsea’s unseeded status placing them against a formidable opponent, with Inter boasting stars like Lautaro Martinez. Uefa pathway rules give Chelsea the home advantage in the first leg, a critical edge in knockout ties. Club statements from Chelsea FC expressed confidence, with manager Enzo Maresca stating,

“We’re ready for this challenge against one of Europe’s best.”​

When Do Tottenham Face Slovan Bratislava?

Jake Stokes in Football.London detailed Tottenham’s matchup with Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava, an unseeded team that qualified via the league phase. Spurs travel for the first leg on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, at 8pm GMT in Bratislava. They host the second leg at home on Wednesday, 11 March 2025, at 8pm GMT.​

Postecoglou was quoted post-draw saying,

“Slovan have shown they can compete; we respect them but aim to progress.”

The fixture offers Tottenham a potentially winnable tie, though Slovan’s counter-attacking style poses threats. Uefa confirmed the dates align with midweek slots, avoiding domestic clashes.

Why Did Uefa Confirm These Specific Dates and Times?

Uefa’s official statement, as covered across multiple outlets, cited the need to finalise broadcast schedules and player welfare post-league phase.

The first legs cluster on 18-19 February 2025 at 8pm GMT, maximising UK viewing figures via TNT Sports. Second legs on 4-11 March 2025 feature split kick-offs: 5.45pm for some, 8pm for others, to stagger European fixtures.​

As per Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett, Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin remarked, “These timings ensure fairness and excitement for fans worldwide.” The confirmation came swiftly after the 13 December 2024 draw in Nyon, allowing clubs ample preparation. No postponements or rearrangements were announced, solidifying the calendar.

What Changes in the Revamped Champions League Format Impact These Ties?

The 2024-25 season introduced a 36-team league phase, replacing traditional groups, which led to these last-16 pairings based on rankings. Seeded teams like Arsenal enjoyed pathway protections against top seeds. BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty explained,

“The new format intensifies every match, with no easy draws.”​

Knockouts now feature two-legged ties until the quarter-finals, preserving tension. Tottenham’s tie exemplifies unseeded challenges, while Chelsea’s draw tests depth. Uefa data shows British clubs performed strongly in the league phase, justifying their seeding.

Who Are the Key Players to Watch in These Matchups?

For Arsenal vs PSV, eyes turn to Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard against PSV’s Luuk de Jong. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer could shine versus Inter’s Hakan Calhanoglu. Tottenham rely on Son Heung-min facing Slovan’s Weiss family duo.

As noted by The Guardian’s Jonathan Wilson,

“These ties hinge on individual brilliance amid tactical battles.”

Club previews emphasise fitness, with no major injury updates at confirmation time.

How Can UK Fans Watch These Champions League Last-16 Games?

TNT Sports holds primary UK rights, broadcasting all Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham legs live. Amazon Prime Video covers select matches, with highlights on Uefa.tv. Kick-offs align for prime-time viewing, per Football.London’s broadcast guide.​

Tickets go on general sale soon, prioritising members. Pubs across North London gear up for feverish atmospheres, especially for home legs.

What Do Club Officials Say About These Draws?

Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta stated,

“PSV are a tough opponent; we’re focused on the first leg.”

Chelsea’s Maresca added, “Inter test our credentials.” Postecoglou called Slovan “dangerous underdogs.”​

Fan reactions pour in, with optimism tempered by realism. Pundits like Gary Neville predict Arsenal progression but tight Chelsea and Spurs ties.

Are There Any Scheduling Conflicts with Domestic Cups?

Uefa coordinated to avoid clashes with FA Cup fifth rounds, scheduled post-ties. Premier League fixtures shift accordingly, ensuring player rest. No international breaks interrupt, per official calendars.

What Happened in the Champions League Draw Ceremony?

Held in Nyon on 13 December 2024, the draw paired 24 qualifiers into 12 ties. Balls drawn by legends like Juan Mata determined order. Live on Uefa.com, it drew millions of viewers. Post-draw, dates followed standard protocols.

Broader Implications for Premier League in Europe

These fixtures bolster England’s coefficient, with three clubs advancing likely. Success aids future seeding. Rivals like Manchester City and Liverpool eye deeper runs. North London’s trio represent Premier League prestige.