UEFA Champions League and Women’s Champions League format

UEFA has implemented new competition formats for its major club tournaments. The Champions League has transitioned to a 36-team league phase, replacing the traditional 32-team group stage with a single shared standings table. In this system, clubs play eight matches against different opponents to determine direct qualification for the round of 16 or entry into a knockout play-off stage.

In the 2026/27 season, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) leads the Champions League standings after three consecutive victories, including a 4-2 win against FC Barcelona. PSG currently shares a perfect nine-point record with Aston Villa, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Real Betis, but holds the top spot due to a high offensive record of 14 goals scored. Under the current format, the top eight teams qualify directly for the knockout round of 16, while teams ranked 9th through 24th enter a play-off stage. The bottom eight teams are eliminated.

Similarly, the Women’s Champions League has adopted a revamped format featuring a single league phase for 18 clubs. Entering its second season under this structure, teams play six matches—three at home and three away—against opponents drawn from three strength pots. The top four teams qualify directly for the quarter-finals, while teams ranked 5th through 12th enter a play-off round. Teams ranked 13th to 18th are eliminated. Major contenders include defending champions FC Barcelona, Lyon, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.