The 2026 UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals are happening right now, and if you're scrambling to find out where to watch, here's the short answer: Paramount+ is your primary streaming home in the United States. Both semi-final second legs — Arsenal vs. Atlético Madrid (May 5) and Bayern Munich vs. PSG (May 6) — stream live on the platform, with the Arsenal match also airing on CBS and Fubo. The Champions League Final is scheduled for Saturday, May 30.
Where to Watch Champions League Semi-Finals in the US
Whether you're a cord-cutter or still have a cable subscription, there are multiple ways to catch the action. Here's a breakdown of every option available for US viewers during this semi-final round.
Paramount+
Paramount+ is the definitive streaming destination for Champions League football in the United States. Both semi-final second legs are available on the platform, and it will carry the May 30 Final as well. Subscriptions start at $8.99/month, and if you're a Walmart+ membership subscriber, you can access a 30-day free trial — which means you could theoretically watch the entire remainder of the tournament without paying a cent for the streaming service itself. According to Yahoo Sports, Paramount+ remains the go-to platform for UCL coverage in the US this season.
CBS (Free Over-the-Air)
The Arsenal vs. Atlético Madrid second leg on May 5 aired on CBS, which means anyone with a basic TV antenna could watch it for free. CBS's free broadcast of select UCL matches has been a game-changer for casual fans who don't want to pay for another streaming subscription. If you missed that match and want to know what happened, check the NJ.com live stream guide for replay options.
Fubo
Fubo is another solid option, particularly for the Arsenal vs. Atlético Madrid match. Fubo is a sports-first live TV streaming service that carries CBS and CBS Sports Network, so if you already subscribe, you likely have access without any add-ons. It's worth checking your current package if you're already a subscriber.
Spanish-Language Options
Spanish-language viewers can catch the action on Univision, which is available through DirecTV and Hulu + Live TV. Univision's Champions League coverage is widely regarded as some of the most energetic commentary in the game, and both platforms offer free trials for new subscribers.
What's at Stake: The Semi-Final Matchups Explained
This isn't just any Champions League semi-final week — the drama unfolding right now is genuinely historic, and understanding the context makes watching infinitely more rewarding.
Arsenal vs. Atlético Madrid — May 5 at Emirates Stadium
The first leg, played at Atlético's Metropolitano Stadium, ended 1-1, leaving the tie perfectly level heading into London. Arsenal had every reason to feel hard done by — VAR controversy loomed large over the result, and Gunners fans arrived at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday determined to see justice served on the pitch. Yahoo Sports noted the match kicked off at 3 p.m. ET.
What makes this tie particularly compelling is the historical weight. Neither Arsenal nor Atlético Madrid has ever won a European title. For both clubs, this is a chance to end decades of near-misses and heartbreaks on the continental stage. Arsenal last came close in the late 1990s and early 2000s under Arsène Wenger; Atlético has reached two Champions League finals under Diego Simeone and lost both — both to rivals Real Madrid. The pressure on both sides is immense.
Bayern Munich vs. PSG — May 6 at Allianz Arena
If Arsenal vs. Atlético is a tale of clubs seeking a first European crown, Bayern vs. PSG is a collision between a German giant trying to survive and a French superclub defending its throne. PSG enters the second leg at Allianz Arena on Wednesday, May 6 (3 p.m. ET) leading 5-4 on aggregate after a first leg that broke records.
The first match in Paris produced the highest-scoring Champions League semifinal first leg in history — a result that sent shockwaves through European football. Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia both scored twice in that Paris thriller, announcing PSG's attacking firepower to anyone who hadn't been paying attention. Bayern, despite the deficit, is hardly a team to roll over: Harry Kane has scored in six consecutive Champions League matches and has reached 54 goals in all competitions this season — a staggering return for a player in his second season at the Bundesliga club. Full match details and prediction analysis are available via USA Today.
PSG is the reigning European champion, having dismantled Inter Milan 5-0 in last season's final in Munich — a result that signaled a new era of Parisian dominance. Defending that title in the same city where they claimed it would be a poetic chapter in their recent history.
Why It Matters Beyond the Scoreline
Champions League semi-finals are among the most-watched sporting events on the planet, drawing audiences that rival Super Bowl viewership in many markets. But this particular semi-final week carries significance that goes beyond the trophy at the end.
For Arsenal, a club that has won nothing in Europe, reaching the final would represent a seismic shift in their modern identity — particularly under a manager who has rebuilt them into genuine title contenders across all competitions. For Atlético Madrid, it would validate Simeone's long, grinding project as something more than a story of glorious near-misses. For Bayern, survival against PSG would signal that Germany's dominant club can still compete with football's new financial aristocracy. And for PSG, reaching back-to-back finals would cement them as something no French club has ever been: a true European dynasty.
The broader football world is watching closely too. Elsewhere in European football, relegation battles and domestic drama are playing out — but this week, all eyes are on the Champions League.
Practical Viewing Guide: How to Set Up in the Next 24 Hours
- Already have Paramount+? You're set. Load the app on your TV, phone, or laptop and tune in at 3 p.m. ET.
- Don't have Paramount+? Sign up at $8.99/month. If you have a Walmart+ membership, activate your free 30-day trial first.
- Have a TV antenna? The Arsenal match aired on CBS — check local listings for replay options or tune into CBS for any studio coverage.
- Already on Fubo? Check if your plan includes CBS Sports. If so, you're covered for Arsenal-related coverage.
- Prefer Spanish commentary? Univision is available on DirecTV and Hulu + Live TV.
- Planning for the Final? Mark Saturday, May 30 on your calendar. Paramount+ will carry it live.
More viewing resources are available from PennLive, which compiled a thorough breakdown of free streaming options and start times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Champions League on free TV in the US?
Yes, partially. The Arsenal vs. Atlético Madrid second leg aired on CBS, which is a free over-the-air channel available with a basic antenna. However, most Champions League matches — including the Bayern vs. PSG second leg and the Final — are only available on Paramount+, which requires a paid subscription starting at $8.99/month.
When is the 2026 Champions League Final?
The UEFA Champions League Final is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026. The two finalists will be determined by the outcomes of this week's semi-final second legs — Arsenal or Atlético Madrid from the first tie, and Bayern Munich or PSG from the second.
How can I watch the Champions League for free?
The best free options are: (1) CBS, for matches the network has broadcast rights to — including the Arsenal vs. Atlético second leg on May 5; (2) a free trial of Paramount+ via a Walmart+ membership, which provides 30 days of access; and (3) free trials on live TV services like Fubo or Hulu + Live TV.
Who are the favorites to win the Champions League Final?
PSG enters the week as the heavy favorites, both as reigning champions and holding a 5-4 aggregate lead over Bayern going into the second leg. Their front line — featuring Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia, who each scored twice in the first leg — is arguably the most dangerous in European football right now. However, Harry Kane's form (six consecutive UCL matches with a goal, 54 goals this season) makes Bayern a dangerous opponent even when trailing. On the other side of the bracket, Arsenal and Atlético Madrid are evenly matched at 1-1.
Has PSG won the Champions League before?
Yes — PSG are the reigning European champions, having won their first-ever Champions League title last season with a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final, played in Munich. That result ended decades of near-misses for the Parisian club. Reaching back-to-back finals in 2026 would put them in rare company as a back-to-back European contender from France.
