The UEFA Champions League knockout phase intensifies this week, with four decisive first-leg playoff matches scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026. For fans in the United States, navigating the broadcasting landscape is straightforward but exclusive to specific platforms. This guide provides a clear breakdown of tonight’s fixtures, official viewing channels, and essential context for this pivotal stage of Europe’s premier club competition.
Tonight’s Champions League Playoff Matches (Feb. 18)
The action unfolds with an afternoon start in the US, featuring a mix of historic clubs and underdog challengers. The draw, conducted by UEFA on January 30, has set the following first-leg fixtures for today. All times are Eastern Standard Time (EST).
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- 12:45 PM EST: Qarabağ FK vs. Newcastle United
- 3:00 PM EST: FK Bodø/Glimt vs. Inter Milan
- 3:00 PM EST: Club Brugge vs. Atlético Madrid
3:00 PM EST: Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen
These matchups are part of the newly introduced playoff round, which determines which eight teams join the top-eight finishers from the league phase in the Round of 16. The return legs are scheduled for February 24-25, 2026.
Official Broadcasters & How to Watch in the USA
In the United States, the broadcasting rights for UEFA club competitions are held under long-term agreements. English-language coverage is exclusively housed with CBS Sports, while Univision holds the Spanish-language rights.
English-Language Streaming: Paramount+
Every minute of tonight’s Champions League action, and every match throughout the tournament, is available to stream live on Paramount+. This is the sole destination for English-language coverage. Select matches may also air on the CBS broadcast network or CBS Sports Network (CBSSN), but for comprehensive, commercial-free access to all concurrent games, Paramount+ is essential. The service also provides on-demand replays and studio shows like Champions League Today for pre and post-match analysis.
Spanish-Language Coverage: Univision / TUDN / ViX
For Spanish-language commentary, viewers can turn to the Univision family of networks. Matches are broadcast on linear channels like UniMás and TUDN, and are also available for streaming on ViX. This partnership offers an alternative for a significant portion of the American soccer audience and runs through the 2026/27 season.
Understanding the 2026 Champions League Playoff Format
The 2025/26 season marks the second year of UEFA’s expanded 36-team “Swiss model” league phase. Under this new system, the traditional group stage has been replaced. Each team played eight matches against different opponents. The top eight finishers (including Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool) earned automatic passage to the Round of 16.
Teams finishing between 9th and 24th place, which includes all of tonight’s participants, enter this two-legged knockout playoff. The eight winners from these ties will advance to join the top-eight in the last-16 draw on February 27. This format increases the number of high-stakes knockout matches and provides a second chance for teams that performed well, but not exceptionally, in the initial league phase.
Historical Context: The Evolution to the Modern UCL
The competition, originally known as the European Cup, began in 1955 as a straight knockout tournament for domestic champions. It was rebranded as the UEFA Champions League in 1992, famously introducing a group stage to increase the number of games and revenue. The evolution has been constant, driven by commercial growth and the desire to include more elite clubs from Europe’s top leagues.
The current 36-team format is the latest step in this evolution, designed to create more meaningful matches throughout the calendar. The playoff round adds a new layer of drama, ensuring that the path to the final in Budapest on May 30, 2026, is more demanding and unpredictable than ever. For a deeper look at the competition’s structure and history, authoritative resources like ESPN’s Champions League section provide ongoing analysis.
Key Storylines for Tonight’s Matches
Each playoff tie presents a unique narrative. Newcastle United’s trip to Azerbaijan to face Qarabağ is a classic test of European travel against a seasoned campaigner in continental play. Inter Milan, a recent finalist, faces a tricky away leg against Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt, known for their artificial turf and intense home atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid’s visit to Club Brugge pits Diego Simeone’s disciplined outfit against one of Belgium’s most consistent performers. Lastly, Bayer Leverkusen, often Bundesliga challengers, travel to face Greek powerhouse Olympiacos in a hostile Piraeus environment. These contexts are crucial for understanding the tactical and psychological battles at play.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I watch the games on regular cable TV?
Limited games may be available on CBS or CBS Sports Network. However, for guaranteed access to all matches, including those kicking off simultaneously, a Paramount+ subscription is required.
Does Paramount+ offer a free trial?
Paramount+ frequently offers promotional free trials for new subscribers. It is advisable to check their official website for the most current subscription offers and trial availability.
What if I miss a live game?
Paramount+ offers full match replays on-demand, typically available shortly after the final whistle. This allows you to watch every key moment at your convenience.
Are the games broadcast in 4K or HDR?
Broadcast quality depends on the service and platform. Paramount+ and other streaming providers often offer select content in enhanced formats. Check the app details on your specific device for the highest available quality.
Can I watch in Spanish without a cable subscription?
Yes, the ViX streaming service, which carries Univision’s Spanish-language coverage, offers its own subscription plans, providing a cable-free option for Spanish-language broadcasts.
Who are the favorites to win the Champions League this year?
While teams like Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid are perennial favorites, the new format has introduced greater variability. Clubs that secured a top-eight league finish and thus avoid the playoff round, such as Arsenal and Liverpool, are currently viewed as having a slight advantage. For ongoing power rankings and expert picks, follow coverage on sites like NBC Sports Soccer.
What happens if a playoff match is tied after two legs?
If the aggregate score is level after the second leg, the match proceeds directly to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout. There is no away goals rule in effect.
When is the Champions League final?
The 2026 UEFA Champions League Final is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.
Can I watch on multiple devices at once?
Most streaming services, including Paramount+, allow simultaneous streams on multiple devices depending on your subscription tier. Refer to your plan’s details for the exact number of concurrent streams permitted.
Is there pre-match and post-match coverage?
Yes, Paramount+ streams the studio show Champions League Today before and after each matchday, featuring analysis, highlights, and interviews.
Final Verdict
For viewers in the United States tuning into the Champions League tonight, Paramount+ is the definitive and exclusive destination for live English-language coverage of all four playoff first-leg matches. The Spanish-language alternative is available through Univision’s platforms, including ViX. Understanding the new playoff format is key to appreciating the heightened stakes for teams like Inter Milan, Atlético Madrid, and Newcastle United as they battle for a coveted spot in the Round of 16. With clear broadcast paths and compelling narratives in each fixture, February 18th offers a captivating evening of elite European football, accessible directly through your preferred streaming service.
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