OFFICIAL: Confirmation of 36 teams participating in the 2025/26 Champions League

In the early hours of August 28 (Vietnam time), the final play-off matches concluded, officially confirming the 36 teams qualifying for the UEFA Champions League 2025/26.

Qualifying rounds Champions League has officially ended, and the list of 36 clubs competing in this season has been finalized. The group stage draw will take place at 11:00 PM today, August 28 (Vietnam time) in Monaco. Prior to this, the last 4 spots were decided in the decisive matches early on August 27.

Specific results:

• Qarabağ lost 2-3 to Ferencváros but were eliminated 4-5 on aggregate after two legs.
• Copenhagen defeated Basel 2-0 to secure a 3-1 aggregate victory.
• Benfica narrowly overcame Fenerbahçe 1-0 over two legs.
• Club Brugge achieved a stunning 6-0 win over Rangers, finishing the tie with a 9-1 aggregate score.

Complete list of the 36 teams participating in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26

After the qualifying rounds ended, UEFA has confirmed the full list of 36 clubs entering the group stage (league phase) of the 2025/26 Champions League. The detailed list is as follows:

• 2024/25 Champions League winner (1 team): Paris Saint-Germain*

• 2024/25 Europa League winner (1 team): Tottenham

• England (4 teams): Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea

• Italy (4 teams): Napoli, Inter Milan, Atalanta, Juventus

• Spain (4 teams): Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Athletic Club

• Germany (4 teams): Bayern München, Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Dortmund

• France (3 teams): Paris Saint-Germain*, Marseille, Monaco

• Netherlands (2 teams): PSV Eindhoven, Ajax

• Portugal (1 team): Sporting CP

• Belgium (1 team): Union Saint-Gilloise

• Turkey (1 team): Galatasaray

• Czech Republic (1 team): Slavia Praha

• Rebalancing spot due to Champions League winner (1 team): Olympiacos*

• European performance spots (2 teams): Newcastle United, Villarreal

• Qualifying rounds – Champions path (5 teams): Bodø/Glimt, Copenhagen, Kairat Almaty, Pafos, Qarabağ

• Qualifying rounds – League path (2 teams): Benfica, Club Brugge

*Olympiacos qualified for the group stage through the rebalancing spot because Paris Saint-Germain secured their place via Ligue 1 performance.

How teams secured their spots in the 36-team group stage of the 2025/26 Champions League

A total of 36 clubs have qualified for the group stage (league phase) of this season's Champions League, with the allocation mechanism detailed as follows:

• 25 automatic spots: These teams gained entry based on their final positions in their domestic leagues. This is the largest group, representing the top European leagues.

• 2 spots for European cup winners: The Champions League and Europa League winners are always guaranteed a place. This year, Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League and Tottenham claimed the Europa League title.

• Rebalancing spot: If the Champions League or Europa League winner already qualifies through their domestic league, the extra spot is redistributed. This season, PSG qualified early via Ligue 1, allowing Olympiacos to benefit from the rebalancing spot.

• 2 European performance spots: This allocation is based on recent UEFA club performance rankings, enabling Newcastle United and Villarreal to participate.

• 7 spots via qualifying rounds: Including 5 teams from the champions path and 2 from the league path. These clubs must advance through multiple knockout rounds to secure their places.

Thus, the allocation system ensures strong teams from top domestic leagues are included while also giving opportunities to clubs from less prominent football nations, enhancing diversity and competitiveness for the 2025/26 Champions League.

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