How to Watch the UEFA Champions League on DIRECTV in October 2026
In the United States, every UEFA Champions League match for the 2026-27 season streams live on Paramount+. Select games also air on CBS or CBS Sports Network. On DIRECTV, that means lining up Paramount+ access plus the linear sports channels that carry the showcase windows.
October’s league-phase Matchdays 2 and 3 fall on October 13–14 and October 20–21. Kickoffs are typically 12:45 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. ET. Here is how to watch on DIRECTV without guessing channel numbers.
Quick answer
- All matches: Paramount+ (live and on demand).
- Select linear games: CBS (local station) and CBS Sports Network when those networks are assigned a window.
- DIRECTV channels: CBS Sports Network 221 (ULTIMATE / PREMIER); Paramount+ with SHOWTIME 545 (PREMIER or premium add-on); local CBS varies by ZIP.
- October dates: Matchday 2 on Oct. 13–14; Matchday 3 on Oct. 20–21 (times ET).
Paramount+ is the home of every match
CBS holds U.S. Champions League rights through the 2029-30 season. Paramount+ carries the full slate. If a match is not on CBS or CBS Sports Network that week, Paramount+ is still the place to watch it live.
On DIRECTV, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME is channel 545 (East) when you have PREMIER or the premium add-on. Use the Paramount+ app signed in with your DIRECTV credentials (or a standalone Paramount+ subscription) for the complete UCL library and multi-match days.
CBS and CBS Sports Network on DIRECTV
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Package notes |
|---|---|---|
| CBS Sports Network | 221 | ULTIMATE and PREMIER |
| Local CBS | Varies by market | Search “CBS” in the guide |
| Paramount+ with SHOWTIME | 545 | PREMIER included; otherwise premium add-on |
Which specific October games land on CBS or CBSSN can change as CBS finalizes its linear windows. For Matchdays 2 and 3, recent public schedules have listed many October fixtures as Paramount+ (and Spanish-language ViX) streams. Always confirm the night-before guide on DIRECTV and the Paramount+ app rather than assuming a linear feed.
More on the linear sports channel: what channel is CBS Sports Network on DIRECTV.
October 2026 league-phase dates to circle
All times Eastern. Pairings below are the high-interest windows commonly flagged for U.S. viewers; the full matchday includes additional 12:45 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. ET games the same days.
| Date | Notable kickoffs (3:00 p.m. ET unless noted) | Where U.S. fans watch |
|---|---|---|
| Tue, Oct. 13 | Atlético Madrid vs. Manchester United; Arsenal vs. Lille; Galatasaray vs. Barcelona; others | Paramount+ (check guide for any CBS/CBSSN window) |
| Wed, Oct. 14 | Manchester City vs. Paris Saint-Germain; Roma vs. Real Madrid; LASK vs. Liverpool (12:45 p.m.); others | Paramount+ |
| Tue, Oct. 20 | Paris Saint-Germain vs. Barcelona; Liverpool vs. Villarreal; Manchester City vs. AEK Athens; others | Paramount+ |
| Wed, Oct. 21 | Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal; Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig; Como vs. Manchester United (12:45 p.m.); others | Paramount+ |
Knockout rounds begin in 2027, with the final scheduled for June 5, 2027, in Madrid. Rights and channels for those rounds remain with CBS/Paramount+.
DIRECTV packages that help for Champions League
- ULTIMATE or PREMIER: adds CBS Sports Network (221) for linear UCL windows.
- PREMIER or Paramount+ with SHOWTIME add-on: channel 545 plus app access for the full slate.
- MySports Genre Pack: sports-focused streaming option; confirm whether CBSSN and your locals are included for your ZIP before relying on it for UCL. See MySports details.
Need the right package before Matchday 2? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
Does DIRECTV carry every Champions League match on a channel?
No. Every match is on Paramount+. Only select games also air on CBS or CBS Sports Network.
What channel is CBS Sports Network on DIRECTV?
Channel 221, starting with ULTIMATE.
What channel is Paramount+ with SHOWTIME on DIRECTV?
Channel 545 (East) on PREMIER, or as a premium add-on on other packages.
When are the October 2026 matchdays?
Matchday 2: October 13–14. Matchday 3: October 20–21. Most U.S. kickoffs are 12:45 or 3:00 p.m. ET.
Questions about soccer channels on DIRECTV? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 5, 2026. DIRECTV.com’s UCL schedule page was not reachable from our research environment (access denied); October fixtures and Paramount+/CBS rights were verified via Sports Media Watch, Sporting News and CBS Sports schedule pages, with channel numbers from DIRECTV lineup.csv. Assignments can change—check your guide. UEFA Champions League, Paramount+, CBS, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.