Ajax: UEFA Champions League 2025–26 Fixtures List
Ajax’s UEFA Champions League 2025/26 campaign kicks off with a high-profile home clash against Italian giants Inter Milan on September 17, 2025, at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.
Their journey will conclude on January 28, 2026, with another home fixture against Greek champions Olympiacos, bringing the league phase to an exciting finish.
The Dutch powerhouse will play four Champions League fixtures at home and four away across Europe, including trips to Chelsea, Villarreal, and Marseille.
The Ajax Champions League fixtures 2025/26 draw is moderately challenging, offering a mix of elite opponents and beatable sides, giving the team a realistic path to progress if they can maximize points at home.
Historically, Ajax have been one of Europe’s most successful clubs, with four Champions League titles to their name.
While they have not reached the final since their golden era in the 1990s, their memorable semi-final run in 2019 proved their ability to compete with Europe’s best.
Key fixtures against Benfica, Galatasaray, Villarreal, and Olympiacos could ultimately decide Ajax’s position in the new league phase format of the competition.
Ajax Champions League Fixtures 25/26
| MD | Date | Fixture | Time (CET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17 Sep 2025 | Ajax vs Inter Milan | 21:00 |
| 2 | 30 Sep 2025 | Marseille vs Ajax | 21:00 |
| 3 | 22 Oct 2025 | Chelsea vs Ajax | 21:00 |
| 4 | 5 Nov 2025 | Ajax vs Galatasaray | 21:00 |
| 5 | 25 Nov 2025 | Ajax vs Benfica | 18:45 |
| 6 | 10 Dec 2025 | Qarabağ vs Ajax | 18:45 |
| 7 | 20 Jan 2026 | Villarreal vs Ajax | 18:45 |
| 8 | 28 Jan 2026 | Ajax vs Olympiacos | 21:00 |
Key Matches to Watch
Matchday 1: Ajax vs Inter Milan (September 17, 2025)
The tournament begins with a blockbuster encounter against Serie A powerhouses Inter Milan. This opening match will immediately test Ajax’s credentials against one of Italy’s top clubs.
This fixture will set the tone for Ajax’s campaign. Playing at home provides an advantage, but facing such quality opposition early on means Ajax must be prepared from the first whistle.
Matchday 3: Chelsea vs Ajax (October 22, 2025)
A repeat of classic encounters from previous seasons, Ajax’s trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea represents another stern test.
The English side boasts considerable talent and experience in European competition. This match will be a true measure of Ajax’s ability to compete against the Premier League’s elite clubs.
Matchday 5: Ajax vs Benfica (November 25, 2025)
Portuguese champions Benfica will visit Amsterdam on Matchday 5. With both teams likely to compete for a place in the league table, this match could have a significant impact on knockout stage qualification.
UEFA Champions League 2025/26 – Knockout Phase Fixtures
- Play-offs: 17/18 & 24/25 February 2026
- Round of 16: 10/11 & 17/18 March 2026
- Quarter-finals: 7/8 & 14/15 April 2026
- Semi-finals: 28/29 April & 5/6 May 2026
- Final: 30 May 2026 at the Puskás Aréna, Budapest
UEFA Champions League 2025/26 – Draw Dates
- First Qualifying Round draw: 17 June 2025
- Second Qualifying Round draw: 18 June 2025
- Third Qualifying Round draw: 21 July 2025
- Play-off draw: 4 August 2025
- League Phase draw: 28 August 2025
- Knockout Phase Play-off draw: 30 January 2026
- Round of 16, Quarter-final, Semi-final & Final draws: 27 February 2026
AFC Ajax 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Campaign
How many Champions League matches will Ajax play in the 2025/26 league phase?
Ajax will play eight matches in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phase — four at home at the Johan Cruyff Arena and four away across Europe.
Who are Ajax’s toughest opponents in the Champions League 2025/26?
Ajax face several challenging fixtures, including matches against Inter Milan, Chelsea, Benfica, Villarreal, Marseille, Galatasaray, Qarabağ, and Olympiacos, making for a demanding league-phase campaign.
When is Ajax’s first Champions League match in 2025/26?
Ajax’s opening match is against Inter Milan on 17 September 2025 at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.
When is Ajax’s last league-phase match in the Champions League 2025/26?
Ajax will end their league-phase campaign on 28 January 2026 with a decisive home fixture against Olympiacos at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
How does the new Champions League format affect Ajax?
Under the new format, Ajax will play eight league-phase matches. The top 8 teams in the standings advance directly to the Round of 16, while clubs finishing 9th–24th enter a playoff round to qualify for the knockout stage.
Where can I watch Ajax’s Champions League games live?
Ajax’s UEFA Champions League fixtures will be broadcast live on UEFA’s official broadcast partners, including regional sports networks and streaming platforms such as Paramount+ / DAZN / TNT Sports (depending on your location).
When is the 2026 UEFA Champions League final?
The 2026 Champions League final will take place on 30 May 2026 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.
The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League offers Ajax another opportunity to reclaim its status as one of Europe’s best clubs.
With the first match against Inter Milan on September 17, 2025, approaching, Ajax will have to prepare from the opening whistle. As well as trips to Italy, England, France, Turkey, Portugal, Azerbaijan, and Spain for the league phase.