UEFA’s Grueling Draw: 36 Elite Clubs Learn Their 2025-26 Fate

🚨 THE ROAD TO BUDAPEST IS SET! 🚨

The stage is set for a monumental new chapter in European football. The draw for the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League league phase is complete, mapping out the path to glory for 36 elite clubs, including giants like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

This season marks the continued evolution of the competition’s format, moving away from the traditional group stage to a single league table where each team plays eight matches against different opponents. The draw, conducted by UEFA, determines the fixtures that will captivate fans from September through January.

The Road to the Draw

The journey to this moment began in early July with the first qualifying rounds. A total of 53 teams fought valiantly for a coveted spot, with 42 entering via the Champions Path and 11 via the League Path. After weeks of intense playoff drama, the final seven teams secured their places this week.

The last qualifying matches on Wednesday saw SL Benfica, Qarabağ FK, and Club Brugge emerge victorious, cementing the final list of 36 participants. They now join the continent’s best, all aiming to dethrone PSG. The Parisians claimed their first-ever Champions League title in stunning fashion last May, delivering a commanding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich.

What the New League Phase Means

The revamped UEFA Champions League format is designed to create more matches between teams from different leagues and increase competitive balance. Instead of groups, all 36 teams are ranked in one large league table. Each club is drawn to play eight matches—four at home and four away—against eight different teams, ensuring a vast array of high-profile clashes throughout the autumn and winter.

The top eight teams in the league phase will automatically advance to the Round of 16. Teams finishing from 9th to 24th will face off in a two-legged playoff to secure the remaining eight spots in the knockout stage, guaranteeing drama until the very last matchday.

Eyes on the Prize: Titans and Challengers

All eyes will be on PSG to see if they can overcome the “uphill battle” of defending their crown under the weight of history—no team has retained the Champions League since Real Madrid’s three-peat ended in 2018.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid, perpetual contenders for the crown, will be seeking to add a record-extending 16th title to their museum. Similarly, Arne Slot’s Liverpool, back among Europe’s elite, will be determined to make a powerful statement in their renewed campaign.

Other heavyweights like FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City will also be plotting their course to the final, which will be held at Budapest’s magnificent Puskás Aréna.

The draw is not just about the giants; it’s about the stories. Can a dark horse like Club Brugge or Qarabağ cause a stunning upset? The new format provides more opportunities for these clubs to test themselves against the very best, creating the potential for unforgettable moments.

The Journey Begins Now

With the fixtures now known, managers can begin their tactical preparations, and fans can start dreaming of nights of glory. The new UEFA Champions League format promises an unprecedented volume of elite-level matches, making the road to Budapest arguably the most demanding and exciting in the competition’s history. The quest for the most prestigious trophy in European club football is officially underway.