The UEFA Champions League 2025-26 season has arrived with a historic format change, marking the biggest shake-up in decades. Say goodbye to the traditional group stages and welcome the new League Phase, designed to deliver more matches, higher stakes, and bigger revenues.
Europe’s premier club competition is entering its 70th year with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as the defending champions. Fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting what this revamped format means for their favorite clubs.
⚽ Why the UEFA Champions League Format Changed
The new League Phase was introduced in 2024 to reshape the Champions League into a more competitive and commercially appealing tournament. Key reasons include:
- ➕ More Matches: Each team faces eight opponents (instead of six).
- 📺 Increased Broadcasting Revenue: More games = more viewership.
- 🎟️ Higher Fan Engagement: High-stakes matches from start to finish.
- 💰 Commercial Growth: Ensuring the Champions League remains the biggest club tournament worldwide.
“The changes combine competition with commercial growth, ensuring Europe’s top clubs deliver more drama than ever.” – UEFA Official
🏟️ UEFA Champions League 2025-26 Format Explained
This is only the second season under UEFA’s revamped format. Instead of eight groups, 36 clubs now sit in one league table.
- Each team faces 8 different opponents (4 home, 4 away).
- 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw.
- The Top 8 teams go straight to the Round of 16.
- Teams finishing 9th to 24th enter a two-legged play-off.
- The bottom 12 are eliminated entirely (no Europa League drop-down).
📖 For more on UEFA’s format, check the Official UEFA Champions League Guide.
🌍 Which Clubs Are Competing?
The qualification period ended with some shock eliminations, including Glasgow Rangers, Celtic, and Fenerbahce.
Six English clubs are in the mix this season:
- Liverpool
- Arsenal
- Manchester City
- Chelsea
- Tottenham Hotspur
- Newcastle United
This marks a rare and historic occasion where all six EPL giants compete together.
📊 Current UEFA Champions League 2025-26 Table
Here’s a quick look at the opening results:
Champions League table
🏆 Champions League 2025-26
Group Stage – Matchday 1 Standings
| Pos | Club | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Paris SG |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +4 | 3 | W |
| 2 |  Club Brugge |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +3 | 3 | W |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 3 | W | |
| 4 |  Bayern München |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 3 | W |
| 5 |  Arsenal |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 3 | W |
| 6 |  Inter |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 3 | W |
| 7 |  Qarabag |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 | W |
| 8 |  Liverpool |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 | W |
| 9 |  Real Madrid |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 | W |
| 10 |  Tottenham |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 | W |
(Table shortened – full standings available at UEFA.com)
📅 UEFA Champions League 2025-26 Key Dates
- Matchday 1: September 16-18, 2025
- Matchday 2: September 30-October 1, 2025
- Matchday 3: October 21-22, 2025
- Matchday 4: November 4-5, 2025
- Matchday 5: November 25-26, 2025
- Matchday 6: December 9-10, 2025
- Matchday 7: January 20-21, 2026
- Matchday 8: January 28, 2026
Knockout Stage:
- Playoff Draw – January 30, 2026
- Playoffs – February 17-25, 2026
- Round of 16 – March 10-18, 2026
- Quarterfinals – April 7-15, 2026
- Semifinals – April 28-May 6, 2026
- Final – May 30, 2026 at Puskas Arena, Budapest
💰 Prize Money Breakdown
The financial stakes are massive:
- €2.6 billion distributed across participating clubs.
- Every win/draw adds to club earnings.
- The eventual champion could earn over €100 million ($116m) if they win all their games.
For comparison, see how UEFA Champions League revenue stacks up against Europa League prize money (internal link).
🎯 Conclusion – What to Expect
The UEFA Champions League 2025-26 promises to be one of the most thrilling seasons ever. With six Premier League clubs, PSG defending their crown, and the League Phase ensuring high-stakes drama from the start, fans worldwide can expect non-stop excitement.
Whether you’re watching for historic rivalries, emerging underdogs, or the financial fireworks, this season could redefine European football.