Football

24 clubs qualify for expanded 2025/26 UEFA Champions League

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4 weeks ago

May 22, 2025

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At least 24 clubs across Europe have officially qualified for the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League, following the conclusion of key domestic and continental fixtures, including the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday night, which saw Tottenham Hotspur defeat Manchester United 1-0 to lift the trophy.

Next season’s competition marks a significant shift in the tournament’s structure, as UEFA expands the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams and introduces the “league phase” format—a historic overhaul aimed at increasing competitiveness and viewership.

As the dust settles on Europe’s top leagues and major tournaments, several high-profile clubs have booked their place in the upcoming campaign based on their domestic league performances. The final list of 36 will be completed after the last round of fixtures in the 2024/25 season.

Qualified Clubs So Far (24/36):

England

Liverpool

Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur (secured via Europa League triumph)

Italy

Napoli

Inter Milan

Atalanta

Spain

Barcelona

Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid

Athletic Club

Villarreal

Germany

Bayern Munich

Borussia Dortmund

Bayer Leverkusen

Eintracht Frankfurt

France

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)

Marseille

Monaco

Portugal

Sporting CP

Netherlands

Ajax

PSV Eindhoven

Czech Republic

Slavia Praha

Turkey

Galatasaray

Greece

Olympiacos

Final Phase of Qualification to Determine Remaining 12 Slots

The final 12 teams will be confirmed after the completion of ongoing domestic league campaigns across Europe and through the Champions League qualification rounds scheduled for later in the summer.

Analysts note that the upcoming edition of the tournament will be the first to implement UEFA’s Swiss-style league format, replacing the traditional group stage.

Under the new system, all 36 teams will be placed in a single league table, each playing eight matches against different opponents, with the top eight advancing directly to the Round of 16.

Teams placed 9th to 24th will enter a play-off round to fight for the remaining eight spots in the knockout phase.

The increased number of fixtures and elite clubs has fueled excitement and anticipation among fans and stakeholders, with UEFA promising a more dynamic and inclusive competition.

As the remaining league games approach their climax, football fans around the world await the complete list of contenders vying for Europe’s most prestigious club title in a new era of Champions League football.