The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league phase has concluded, confirming the clubs that have secured direct qualification for the Round of 16, those heading into the knockout phase play-offs, and the teams eliminated from Europe’s elite competition.
Following Wednesday’s final round of matches, 24 teams remain in contention for the title, while 12 clubs have exited the tournament.
Teams Qualified Directly for the Round of 16
The top eight teams in the league phase standings qualified automatically for the Round of 16, avoiding the knockout play-offs.
Confirmed Round of 16 Teams
- Arsenal
- Barcelona
- Bayern Munich
- Chelsea
- Liverpool
- Manchester City
- Sporting CP
- Tottenham Hotspur
Five English clubs—Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham—finished inside the top eight, underlining the Premier League’s strong presence in this season’s competition.
Arsenal and Bayern Munich had already sealed qualification before the final matchday, while the remaining teams secured their spots after decisive league-phase performances.
Teams Qualified for Knockout Phase Play-offs
Clubs finishing 9th to 24th will now contest the two-legged knockout phase play-offs, with the winners advancing to the Round of 16.
Knockout Phase Play-off Teams
- Atalanta
- Atlético Madrid
- Borussia Dortmund
- Benfica
- Bodø/Glimt
- Club Brugge
- Galatasaray
- Inter Milan
- Juventus
- Bayer Leverkusen
- Monaco
- Newcastle United
- Olympiacos
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Qarabağ
- Real Madrid
Reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germainand record 15-time winners Real Madrid must navigate the play-offs after finishing outside the top eight. Madrid’s situation was sealed following a 4–2 defeat to Benfica on the final matchday.
Eliminated Teams
The following clubs finished outside the top 24 and are eliminated from the Champions League:
- Ajax
- Athletic Club
- Copenhagen
- Eintracht Frankfurt
- Kairat Almaty
- Marseille
- Napoli
- Pafos
- PSV Eindhoven
- Slavia Praha
- Union Saint-Gilloise
- Villarreal
Champions League Knockout Phase Schedule
Knockout Phase Play-offs
- First legs: 17/18 February 2026
- Second legs: 24/25 February 2026
Round of 16
- First legs: 10/11 March 2026
- Second legs: 17/18 March 2026
Quarter-finals
- First legs: 7/8 April 2026
- Second legs: 14/15 April 2026
Semi-finals
- First legs: 28/29 April 2026
- Second legs: 5/6 May 2026
Final
- Date: 30 May 2026
- Venue: Budapest, Hungary
What Happens Next?
The knockout phase play-offs will determine the remaining eight teams to complete the Round of 16 lineup. With several European heavyweights involved, the play-offs are expected to deliver high-intensity clashes before the competition enters its decisive stages.
The Champions League final will be staged in Budapest, where Europe’s best club will be crowned at the end of May.
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