At least 23 clubs have officially qualified for the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League. This follows the conclusion of several top European domestic leagues.
The new Champions League format features 36 teams, making it the second season of UEFA’s modernised system. This updated format drops the traditional group stage for a single league-style competition.
Each team will play eight matches against different opponents. The top 8 teams will progress directly to the Round of 16. Teams placed 9th to 24th will enter a playoff to reach the knockout stages.
Top Clubs From England, Spain, Italy, and Germany Confirm Places
From England, Liverpool and Arsenal are back in the Champions League. Manchester City, the reigning champions, also qualified earlier this season.
Spain will be represented by four top clubs—Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Athletic Club. Real Madrid remain strong contenders with their recent domestic and European success.
In Italy, Inter Milan, Juventus, Napoli, and Atalanta secured spots. Inter won the Serie A title, showing dominant form throughout the season.
German clubs include Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and Eintracht Frankfurt. Bayer Leverkusen also made headlines by finishing their league season unbeaten.
France, Portugal, Netherlands, and Other Nations Join the Lineup
French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) lead their country’s charge, alongside Marseille and Monaco. PSG are expected to rebuild their squad after key player exits.
From the Netherlands, Ajax and PSV Eindhoven have both qualified. Portugal will be represented by Sporting CP.
Additional clubs that have confirmed qualification include Union Saint-Gilloise from Belgium, Galatasaray from Turkey, and Slavia Praha from the Czech Republic. These teams topped or finished high in their respective leagues.
The rest of the teams will qualify over the next few weeks. This includes winners from UEFA’s qualifying rounds and playoff competitions.
UEFA believes the new format will make every match more exciting. More big-name matchups will happen in the early stages, which could increase fan engagement and TV ratings.
Fans across Europe and beyond now look forward to the Champions League draw. It will determine the match schedule and kick off another thrilling football season.
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