The group stages are over, and the road to the final is set. Here is everything you need to know about the UCL 2025-26 Knockouts Qualified Teams and what comes next.
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UCL 2025-26 Knockouts Qualified Teams: The Full List
The group stage wrapped up on Wednesday, January 29, confirming the 24 clubs moving forward. Here is the breakdown of the UCL 2025-26 Knockouts Qualified Teams based on their final rankings.
The Top 8: Direct Round of 16 Qualifiers
The top eight clubs from the league phase have earned a direct spot in the Round of 16 matches. They will avoid the stress of the playoff round and wait for their opponents.
- Arsenal (England)
- Bayern Munich (Germany)
- Liverpool (England)
- Tottenham (England)
- FC Barcelona (Spain)
- Chelsea (England)
- Sporting CP (Portugal)
- Manchester City (England)
Teams Heading to the UEFA Champions League Playoff Brackets
Clubs ranked 9th to 24th must now compete in a high-stakes two-legged playoff. The winners of these ties will complete the lineup for the next stage.
- Seeded Teams (9th-16th): Real Madrid, Inter Milan, PSG, Newcastle, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen.
- Unseeded Teams (17th-24th): Borussia Dortmund, Olympiacos, Club Brugge, Galatasaray, AS Monaco, Qarabag FK, Bodo/Glimt, Benfica.
How the Swiss-model League Format Works
The 2025-26 season follows the new Swiss-model league format introduced by UEFA. This system ensures more big matches and a fixed bracket path from the playoffs to the final.
- Teams ranked 9th to 16th are seeded and will host the second leg of the playoffs.
- There is no reseeding after this point; the bracket is set all the way to the final.
- Teams that finished below 24th are officially eliminated from all European competitions.
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Confirmed Playoff Brackets and Matchups
Based on the new rules, the UEFA Champions League playoff brackets have created some incredible potential fixtures. Fans in the UAE can expect a month of intense football.
- Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund or Olympiacos
- Real Madrid or Inter Milan vs Bodo/Glimt or Benfica
- PSG or Newcastle vs AS Monaco or Qarabag FK
- Juventus or Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge or Galatasaray
Champions League Knockouts Draw Schedule
The official Champions League knockouts draw will take place on Friday, January 30, at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. This event is crucial for planning the road to glory.
- Date: Friday, January 30, 2026.
- Time: 11:00 AM GMT (3:00 PM UAE Time).
- Purpose: To finalize the playoff pairings and the path for the Round of 16 matches.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. When do the Round of 16 matches start? The playoff winners will join the top 8 teams for the Round of 16 in February. The exact dates will be confirmed after the draw.
2. Where can I watch the Champions League draw in the UAE? The draw will be broadcast live on beIN Sports and can be streamed via the official UEFA website at 3:00 PM UAE time.
3. Why is Real Madrid in the playoffs? Under the new Swiss-model league format, only the top 8 teams qualify directly. Real Madrid finished in the 9th-24th bracket, requiring them to play a playoff.
4. Is there a second leg for the playoffs? Yes, all playoff ties are two-legged. The higher-ranked teams will have the advantage of hosting the second leg.
Summary of the 2025-26 Knockout Path
The competition is reaching its peak as the UCL 2025-26 Knockouts Qualified Teams prepare for battle. For UAE fans, the 3:00 PM draw on Friday will be the moment that defines the rest of the season.
With giants like Real Madrid and PSG forced into the playoffs, the path to the trophy has never been more unpredictable or exciting. Keep an eye on the Champions League knockouts draw to see if your favorite team can survive the journey.
