What’s New in the 2025-26 Champions League?

Excitement is building as the landscape of European football's premier competition, the Champions League, is set to undergo significant changes in the 2025-26 season. Football fans and pundits alike are eager to understand what these changes entail and how they will impact the tournament's structure, participating teams, and overall competitiveness.

The anticipation surrounding the revamped Champions League format has sparked numerous discussions and analyses within the football community. With the aim of enhancing the competition's appeal and providing more opportunities for clubs across the continent, the changes promise to usher in a new era for the tournament.

Here are five key aspects to watch out for in the upcoming Champions League season:

1. Expanded Format: One of the most notable changes is the expansion of the tournament to include more teams. The number of participating clubs will increase from 32 to 36, providing additional opportunities for teams from various European leagues to compete on the grandest stage. This expansion aims to promote greater inclusivity and diversity within the competition.

2. League Phase: The traditional group stage format will be replaced by a single league phase, where all participating teams will be ranked in a single table. Each team will play a certain number of matches against different opponents, both home and away, based on a seeding system. This new format is designed to create more exciting and unpredictable matchups throughout the competition.

3. Qualification Process: The qualification process for the Champions League will also undergo adjustments to accommodate the expanded format. Additional qualification spots will be allocated to leagues based on their performance in previous European competitions, rewarding consistent success and competitiveness.

4. Knockout Stage: The knockout stage will retain its familiar format, with teams progressing through the rounds based on their performance in two-legged ties. However, the seeding system for the knockout stage may be adjusted to reflect the new league phase rankings, ensuring that the top-performing teams are rewarded with favorable matchups.

5. Schedule and Fixtures: The Champions League schedule will be optimized to accommodate the increased number of matches and participating teams. Fixtures will be spread out throughout the season, with careful consideration given to player welfare and the demands of domestic leagues. The goal is to create a balanced and sustainable schedule that allows teams to compete at their best while minimizing the risk of fatigue and injuries.

These changes signal a new chapter in the history of the Champions League, with the potential to reshape the landscape of European football. As the 2025-26 season approaches, fans and teams alike are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience the excitement and drama of the revamped tournament.

For those seeking a refresher on the existing Champions League format, a helpful video explainer is available here.