Here are the details of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 competition format:
Expanded League Phase & Qualification Slots
The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League will feature 36 teams competing in a single league phase, replacing the traditional group stage. Each club will play eight different opponents (four home, four away), ensuring a diverse and competitive fixture list.
Qualification adjustments have been made to accommodate the expanded format:
- Slot One: This place will be awarded to the club that finishes third in the domestic league of the association ranked fifth in UEFA’s access list, based on club coefficient rankings.
- Slot Two: One additional domestic champion will qualify through the Champions Path, increasing the number of teams advancing from the qualifying rounds.
- Slots Three & Four: These two spots, known as ‘European Performance Spots,’ will be granted to the two associations whose clubs performed the best collectively in UEFA competitions during the previous season. Each of these leagues will receive one extra automatic qualification slot, given to the second-highest-ranked team that has not yet qualified.
Knockout Phase & Playoff Rounds
At the conclusion of the league phase, the top eight teams will qualify directly for the Round of 16. Clubs ranked 9th to 24th will enter a two-legged playoff round, with the winners claiming the remaining eight spots in the knockout stage. Meanwhile, teams finishing 25th or lower will be eliminated from the competition.
Knockout Pairings
The matchups in the knockout rounds will be partly determined by league phase rankings, making every match result crucial. This dynamic structure ensures that teams must perform consistently throughout the league phase to secure a favorable position.
Competition Calendar & Matchdays
The tournament will run from September to January, with dedicated matchweeks for the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League to prevent scheduling conflicts. The final will maintain its traditional Saturday slot, providing an exciting climax to the competition.
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