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 ($8.99/month, October 2026 price) 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
The official route to every match is Paramount+, which streams every Champions League fixture in the US, with selected games also on CBS and CBS Sports Network. Spanish-language viewers can follow selected matches on Univision and TUDN.
The Paramount+ and CBS Sports apps list each matchday's fixtures with kick-off times in your local time zone, so check them on a Champions League Tuesday afternoon. If you also want a general live-TV subscription, Vivimate IPTV offers a 24-hour free trial.
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, access to every fixture requires Paramount+. 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+, on supported devices and plans. Check Paramount+ for the 4K listing closer to the date.
New to the service? Start with Vivimate IPTV — channels, pricing and setup — what it includes, what it costs and how to set it up.