The countdown to a new era in European football has officially begun as 24 teams have already secured their place in the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League. Following the conclusion of this season’s European competitions — including the dramatic Europa League final, where Tottenham Hotspur edged Manchester United 1-0 — attention is now firmly focused on the expanded Champions League format that kicks off next year.
The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign marks the beginning of a new chapter in the tournament’s storied history. UEFA’s decision to shift from a 32-team group stage to a 36-team league phase is more than just a numbers game — it represents a transformation in how Europe’s elite clubs compete at the highest level.
Let’s dive into the details: what the format change means, the significance of early qualification, and most importantly, the 24 teams who have already booked their spots in next season’s competition.
A New Format: 36 Teams, One League Table
Starting from the 2025/26 season, UEFA is implementing the “Swiss model,” a structure commonly used in chess tournaments. Under this format, all 36 teams will be placed in a single league table rather than divided into traditional groups.
Each team will play 8 different opponents — four at home, four away — instead of the usual six games in a four-team group. The top 8 teams in the league standings will automatically qualify for the Round of 16. Teams placed between 9th and 24th will contest a two-legged play-off to determine the remaining 8 places.
This change was introduced to increase the number of high-profile matches, improve competitiveness, and provide fans with more drama from the get-go.
How Teams Qualify
Most clubs qualify through their domestic league positions. UEFA’s coefficient ranking system determines how many slots each country receives. The top leagues — namely England, Spain, Germany, and Italy — typically secure four places each. France and Portugal also get multiple entries. With the expansion to 36 teams, additional slots are allocated based on performance in UEFA competitions and domestic champions from lower-ranked nations.
Qualification is now more intense than ever, with league consistency and European pedigree playing key roles.
Confirmed UCL Teams for 2025/26 (So Far)
As of now, 24 clubs have secured their spot based on domestic league results and European performances. Below is a breakdown by country:
England
- Liverpool – Bouncing back to Europe’s elite under Jurgen Klopp, the Reds have been formidable all season.
- Arsenal – Mikel Arteta’s side continues to show impressive growth, clinching Champions League qualification with games to spare.
- Tottenham Hotspur – The North London club not only made the cut but also won the Europa League, securing their return to the UCL.
Italy
- Napoli – Although their Serie A title defense has been shaky, Napoli has done enough to finish among Italy’s top four.
- Inter Milan – Dominant throughout the season, Inter looks ready to challenge for European silverware.
- Atalanta – A well-run club with smart recruitment, Atalanta returns to the Champions League on the back of another strong domestic campaign.
Spain
- Barcelona – Despite off-field challenges, Xavi’s side has maintained a top-four La Liga finish.
- Real Madrid – Ever-present in the Champions League, Los Blancos continue their pursuit of European glory.
- Atletico Madrid – Diego Simeone’s men remain one of the most consistent clubs in Spain.
- Athletic Club – A historic achievement for the Basque side, who return to Europe’s premier competition.
- Villarreal – The Yellow Submarine has leveraged its recent European success to claim another UCL spot.
Germany
- Bayern Munich – Germany’s footballing powerhouse never misses a beat when it comes to Champions League qualification.
- Borussia Dortmund – With a youthful squad and attacking football, BVB remain a staple of European nights.
- Bayer Leverkusen – Under Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen has played thrilling football and secured early qualification.
- Eintracht Frankfurt – The 2022 Europa League winners return to the Champions League, determined to make a mark.
France
- Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) – With stars like Kylian Mbappe and a stacked squad, PSG is a UCL regular.
- Marseille – The Ligue 1 giants return to the fold with strong performances at home.
- Monaco – After years of rebuilding, Monaco has reclaimed their spot among Europe’s elite.
Portugal
- Sporting CP – One of Portugal’s traditional big three, Sporting continues to punch above its weight in Europe.
Netherlands
- Ajax – After a dip in form last season, Ajax has bounced back in the Eredivisie.
- PSV Eindhoven – The Dutch side, boasting exciting young talent, returns to Europe’s top stage.
Czech Republic
- Slavia Praha – Czech champions, Slavia have been rewarded for their domestic dominance.
Turkey
- Galatasaray – The Istanbul giants stormed to the Super Lig title and clinched a UCL return.
Greece
- Olympiacos – A familiar name in European competitions, Olympiacos will once again fly the Greek flag in the Champions League.
What Comes Next?
With 12 spots still up for grabs, the final day of the 2024/25 domestic seasons across Europe promises intense competition. Clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea, Juventus, RB Leipzig, Benfica, and others are still battling it out for a place in the new-look Champions League.
Additionally, the winners of the ongoing UEFA Europa Conference League and remaining domestic champions from other European leagues — including those in Belgium, Austria, Scotland, and Switzerland — still have a chance to qualify.
UEFA’s revised access list ensures that all domestic champions have a pathway into the league phase, either directly or through qualification rounds.
What This Means for Fans and Clubs
The expansion to 36 teams and the introduction of the Swiss league format means:
- More Matches: Each team plays at least 8 games, up from the traditional 6, offering fans more action.
- Higher Competition Level: With no easy groups and more diverse opponents, even the early stages feel like knockout rounds.
- Greater Revenue: More games and more broadcasting deals will significantly boost revenue for UEFA and participating clubs.
- Less Predictability: Mid-tier clubs now have more opportunities to challenge the status quo, much like Atalanta, Frankfurt, and Villarreal have done in recent years.
For African football fans, especially in Nigeria, where the UEFA Champions League is followed religiously, this development is thrilling. The extended format could potentially offer more stories of underdogs and breakout talents, some of whom may have African roots or ties.
Conclusion
As the 2024/25 football season winds down across Europe, the stage is being set for one of the most revolutionary editions of the UEFA Champions League. With 24 teams already confirmed, the anticipation is sky-high for what promises to be an exhilarating 2025/26 campaign.
Here is the confirmed list once again:
England: Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham
Italy: Napoli, Inter Milan, Atalanta
Spain: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Athletic Club, Villarreal
Germany: Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt
France: PSG, Marseille, Monaco
Portugal: Sporting CP
Netherlands: Ajax, PSV
Czech Republic: Slavia Praha
Turkey: Galatasaray
Greece: Olympiacos
With 12 more names to be added soon, the full 36-team lineup will be unveiled after the remaining fixtures and playoffs conclude. One thing is certain: the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League is shaping up to be a historic spectacle — a bold new era where tradition meets innovation, and where every match counts.
