Before the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League season, many clubs across Europe have already secured their spot in the tournament’s league phase, while others are still fighting for qualification through the play-offs.
Automatic Qualifiers by League and Special Entries
- England (6 teams): Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Europa League winners Tottenham Hotspur. England got an extra spot due to strong European performances.
- Spain (5 teams): Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Athletic Club, and Villarreal (via European Performance Spot).
- Italy (4 teams): Napoli, Inter Milan, Atalanta, and Juventus.
- Germany (4 teams): Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Borussia Dortmund.
- France (3 teams): Paris Saint-Germain (also Champions League title holders), Marseille, and Monaco.
- Netherlands (2 teams): Ajax and PSV Eindhoven.
- Portugal (1 team): Sporting CP.
- Belgium (1 team): Union Saint-Gilloise.
- Turkey (1 team): Galatasaray.
- Czech Republic (1 team): Slavia Praha.
- Greece (1 team): Olympiacos (via Champions League winner rebalancing).
Champions League and Europa League Winners
- Champions League Winner: Paris Saint-Germain (automatic qualification).
- Europa League Winner: Tottenham Hotspur (automatic qualification).
European Performance Spots
Two extra spots were awarded based on UEFA’s European performance ranking to Villarreal and Newcastle United.
Qualifying Rounds
The remaining seven places will be decided through the qualifying rounds and play-offs, involving champions and league path teams from various associations.
Summary
- 29 teams have already qualified directly for the 2025/26 Champions League league phase.
- The remaining seven spots will be filled via qualifying rounds.
- 36 teams will be in the new league phase format.
- The final will be at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary, on May 30, 2026.
