Determining 32 out of 36 teams for the 2025/26 Champions League, awaiting 4 play-off finals

The 2025/26 Champions League has confirmed 32 of the 36 participating teams, featuring many European giants alongside surprises like Bodø/Glimt, Kairat Almaty, and Pafos.

As of August 27, The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 season has identified 32 of the total 36 clubs participating in the league phase. This is the second season using the new format with 36 clubs competing, instead of the previous 32.

A total of 29 direct spots were awarded based on performances in Europe’s top domestic leagues, along with places for the reigning Champions League and Europa League winners. Additionally, the play-off round has confirmed 3 more teams: Bodø/Glimt (Norway), Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan) and Pafos (Cyprus).

Teams qualified directly (29 clubs):

• England (6 teams): Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United

• Spain (5 teams): Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Athletic Club, Villarreal

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

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

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

• Netherlands (2 teams): PSV Eindhoven, Ajax Amsterdam

• Portugal (1 team): Sporting CP

• Belgium (1 team): Union Saint-Gilloise

• Turkey (1 team): Galatasaray

• Czech Republic (1 team): Slavia Prague

• Greece (1 team): Olympiacos

Teams that have advanced through play-offs as of August 27:

• Bodø/Glimt (Norway)

• Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan)

• Pafos (Cyprus)

The inclusion of these three clubs brings exciting surprises. Bodø/Glimt is a rare Norwegian representative in the Champions League, Kairat Almaty made history as the first Kazakhstani club to participate, while Pafos marks a historic debut for Cypriot football.

Remaining play-off finals (second leg, early hours of August 28):

• Ferencváros vs Qarabağ

• Basel vs Copenhagen

• Fenerbahçe vs Benfica

• Rangers vs Club Brugge

Thus far, it has been confirmed that 32 out of 36 teams will participate in the 2025/26 Champions League. Once these four ties conclude, the list of 36 clubs will be complete, before UEFA holds the draw in early September.

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