The Champions League runs on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings throughout the European soccer season, building toward the knockout rounds and the final in May. For US fans, knowing exactly when matches start locally — and which channel carries them — is essential for planning around your schedule.
Champions League Kick-Off Times for US Fans
Champions League matches use two standard kick-off times in Europe. Here is how those translate to US Eastern Time:
- 12:45 PM ET / 9:45 AM PT — early kick-off slot (a smaller selection of matches per matchday)
- 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT — main kick-off slot (the majority of matches, including all high-profile fixtures)
These times shift slightly depending on whether European Daylight Saving Time is in effect. During fall and spring, verify times on the CBS Sports app or Paramount+ schedule.
Champions League TV Channels in the US
CBS Sports Network
CBS Sports holds the primary Champions League broadcast rights in the US. All Champions League matches — league phase, knockout rounds, and the Final — are available through CBS Sports Network or CBS broadcast.
CBS Sports Network carries the primary featured fixture each matchday. CBS Sports Golazo Network streams additional simultaneous matches for cord-cutters.
Paramount+
Paramount+ streams every Champions League match live in the US — including fixtures not airing on the CBS linear channels. The Paramount+ Essential plan ($7.99/month) covers all Champions League matches for subscribers.
Univision / TUDN (Spanish Language)
Selected Champions League matches air in Spanish on Univision and TUDN for US Spanish-language viewers. Check local listings for which fixtures are selected.
Champions League Match Day Schedule 2026
| Stage | Months | Matchdays |
|---|---|---|
| League Phase (MD 1–4) | September–November | Tuesday & Wednesday |
| League Phase (MD 5–8) | November–January | Tuesday & Wednesday |
| Round of 16 Knockouts | February–March | Tuesday & Wednesday |
| Quarter-Finals | April | Tuesday & Wednesday |
| Semi-Finals | April–May | Tuesday & Wednesday |
| Final | Late May | Saturday |
How to Watch Every Champions League Match in the US
Vivimate IPTV includes sports channel access covering Champions League broadcasts in the US. All fixtures available through US broadcast rights are accessible — from opening matchday through the Final — within a single Vivimate IPTV subscription.
The full EPG in Vivimate IPTV shows kick-off times automatically. On a Champions League Tuesday afternoon, your programme guide will display all available fixtures across the relevant sports channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Champions League kick off in the US?
The main Champions League kick-off time for US viewers is 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT. An earlier slot at 12:45 PM ET carries a smaller number of fixtures each matchday. Both CBS Sports channels and Paramount+ cover both slots.
Is the Champions League free to watch in the US?
Some Champions League matches air on CBS broadcast television, which is free over-the-air. However, comprehensive access to all fixtures requires Paramount+ or Vivimate IPTV. CBS Sports Golazo Network also streams some matches free.
Is the Champions League Final available in 4K in the US?
Yes. Selected Champions League matches including the Final are available in 4K through Paramount+ and through Vivimate IPTV's 4K streaming capability — no separate upgrade required.
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