How will 2025/26 Champions League qualifying work?
Twenty-nine teams qualify directly for the league phase, with the final seven spots coming through qualifying, culminating in August's play-offs. The stage at which the teams enter qualifying is based on their association club coefficient rankings. All ties are played over two legs.
When are the 2025/26 Champions League qualifying rounds and play-offs?
First qualifying round: 8/9 & 15/16 July 2025
Second qualifying round: 22/23 & 29/30 July 2025
Third qualifying round: 5/6 & 12 August 2025
Play-offs: 19/20 & 26/27 August 2025
Which teams are in the league phase of the 2025/26 Champions League?
Twenty-nine teams qualified automatically, either through their domestic league placing or being holders of the Champions League (Paris Saint-Germain) or UEFA Europa League (Tottenham). Rebalancing was required as Champions League winners Paris also qualified automatically via their domestic league placing.
Full explainer: Champions League winner rebalancing
Two of the places were filled by the European Performance Spots, while the final seven slots will be determined via qualifying.
England: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle
Spain: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid, Athletic Club, Villarreal
Italy: Napoli, Inter, Atalanta, Juventus
Germany: Bayern München, Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Dortmund
France: Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, Monaco
Netherlands: PSV, Ajax
Portugal: Sporting CP
Belgium: Union Saint-Gilloise
Türkiye: Galatasaray
Czechia: Slavia Praha
Greece: Olympiacos
----This news comes from UEFA NEWS and is NOT for commercial purposes