When Does the 2025–2026 UEFA Champions League Season Begin?
Explore the Start Date, New Format, Qualified Teams, and Official Seedings
The UEFA Champions League, the most prestigious competition in European football, is returning for the 2025–2026 season with a revamped format and even higher stakes. Following the success of its debut season under the new system, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the kickoff of another thrilling edition.
But when does the new season start? How does the updated format work? And which teams have officially qualified? Here's everything you need to know.
📆 Key Dates for the 2025–2026 Champions League Season
The competition will begin with the qualifying play-offs, starting on July 8, 2025, and concluding on August 27, 2025. Once the qualifying rounds are complete, the league stage officially kicks off on September 16, 2025. The journey to glory will conclude with the grand final, scheduled for May 30, 2026.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Qualifying Rounds | July 8 – August 27, 2025 |
| League Phase Start | September 16, 2025 |
| Final Match | May 30, 2026 |
⚙️ What’s New in the Champions League Format?
The UEFA Champions League 2025–2026 introduces a league-style format that replaces the traditional group stage. The number of participating clubs has been increased to 36 teams, and each team will play eight different opponents—four at home and four away.
Rather than being grouped in fours, all teams are ranked in a single league table, adding intensity and variety to each round.
- Teams ranked 1st to 8th: Automatically advance to the Round of 16.
- Teams ranked 9th to 24th: Compete in a two-legged play-off for the remaining 8 knockout spots.
- Teams ranked 25th to 36th: Eliminated from European competitions entirely.
✅ How Do Teams Qualify for the Champions League?
UEFA has introduced a more inclusive qualification process:
32 teams qualify through regular routes: champions, runners-up, third and fourth-place finishers based on league coefficients, and winners of the Champions League and Europa League.
- The third-placed team from the 5th-ranked UEFA league.
- An additional slot through the Champions Path.
- Two places awarded to countries whose clubs perform best collectively in the previous season (2024–25).
🌍 Qualified Teams for the 2025–2026 UEFA Champions League
Here are the officially qualified teams as of now, listed by country:
| Country | Teams |
|---|---|
| England | Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle, Tottenham |
| Spain | Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Villarreal |
| Italy | Inter Milan, Napoli, Atalanta, Juventus |
| Germany | Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt |
| France | Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, AS Monaco |
| Netherlands | PSV Eindhoven, Ajax |
| Portugal | Sporting CP |
| Turkey | Galatasaray |
| Belgium | Union Saint-Gilloise |
| Greece | Olympiacos |
| Czech Republic | Slavia Prague |
🥇 Seeding for the 2025–2026 Champions League
UEFA determines club seeding based on their coefficient rankings and recent European performances. The following table outlines the current projected pots:
| Pot 1 | Pot 2 | Pot 3 | Pot 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | Arsenal | Ajax | Athletic Bilbao |
| Manchester City | Atlético Madrid | Napoli | Newcastle United |
| Bayern Munich | Atalanta | Sporting CP | — |
| Liverpool | Villarreal | Olympiacos | — |
| Paris Saint-Germain | Juventus | Slavia Prague | — |
| Inter Milan | Eintracht Frankfurt | Marseille | — |
| Chelsea | — | — | — |
| Borussia Dortmund | — | — | — |
| Barcelona | — | — | — |
🔚 Final Thoughts
With a broader structure, fairer distribution of qualification spots, and a more dynamic format, the 2025–2026 UEFA Champions League promises a truly global spectacle. Fans can expect unpredictable matchups, strategic depth, and unforgettable moments.
So mark your calendar—September 16, 2025, the league phase begins. Whether you're backing a traditional powerhouse or rooting for an emerging contender, this Champions League season is shaping up to be one for the ages.
Let the battle for Europe’s crown commence!