Where to watch Champions League: Qarabag v Newcastle play-off — kickoff time and viewing guide
Newcastle head to Baku for the first leg of their Champions League play-off on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This briefing sets out the kickoff time in Eastern Time and practical guidance for viewers worldwide on how to find live coverage and what travelling fans need to know.
Match details and kickoff time (ET)
The play-off first leg between Qarabag and Newcastle kicks off on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 12: 45pm ET. The fixture is staged at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium. Fans watching from North America should mark that midday slot and plan around it — it’s an early afternoon start for supporters on the East Coast and a late-morning kickoff further west.
Where to watch Champions League: viewing options and tips
For fans wondering where to watch Champions League action, the simplest route is to consult local televised sports schedules and subscription packages that carry European club competitions. Coverage windows differ by territory, so check the listings available to you on the morning of the match. Many broadcasters offer matchday packages that include live streams, replays and condensed highlights; if you rely on streaming, test access well before kickoff to avoid last-minute login or geo-restriction issues.
Public venues such as sports bars or fan hubs often show major European ties. If planning to watch with a crowd, call ahead to confirm they will screen this fixture and arrive early for seating. For households or groups sharing a single subscription, consider a brief tech rehearsal to ensure the stream or broadcast device is working and audio levels are set for matchday atmosphere.
International viewers should be mindful of blackout rules and regional rights that can affect availability. If a match appears unavailable in your immediate market, look for legitimate club or competition matchday services that may offer international streaming access. Subscribing to a service that regularly carries European competition fixtures can be a cost-effective approach if you plan to watch multiple ties through the season.
Advice for supporters travelling to Baku
Fans travelling to the host city should be prepared well in advance. Travellers must carry a valid passport and secure any required entry visas with sufficient time before departure. Allow at least one week for visa processing and arrange travel insurance for peace of mind. Currency in the city is the manat; card and contactless payments are widely accepted and ATMs dispensing the local currency are available.
Public transport and local navigation will be important on matchday. If you plan to use the metro, obtain a local travel card for single or multiple trips and ensure it is loaded before boarding. Arrive at the stadium early: away supporters will be directed to a specific entrance and can expect perimeter and turnstile searches. Stewards and local officials will manage fan flow and may conduct full body or bag searches before entry. Refreshments and toilet facilities are typically positioned before the turnstiles, but queues can form, so factor that into your arrival time.
For those travelling by taxi from the airport, the journey into the city centre usually takes around 20–30 minutes, while buses may take 30–40 minutes. Local ride apps are commonly used and may offer cost advantages over street taxis; download any necessary local transport apps once you land if you plan to rely on them. If staying in the central area, follow signage to the nearest metro stop to reach the stadium on matchday.
Whether you are planning to watch from home, a local venue or the stadium itself, planning ahead will ensure you don’t miss the action at 12: 45pm ET on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Keep tickets, travel documents and broadcast access details to hand for a smooth matchday experience.
