By Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
UEFA has officially confirmed the 36 clubs that will participate in the revamped UEFA Champions League league phase for the 2025/26 season, with the draw set to usher in a new era of European football.
Unlike the traditional group stage format, the upcoming season will debut the league-phase system, where all 36 teams are placed in a single table, each playing eight matches against different opponents—four at home and four away.
The expanded format is designed to deliver more high-profile clashes, ensuring that top clubs meet more frequently in the early stages of the competition.
According to UEFA, the full list of clubs includes heavyweights such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Chelsea, and Borussia Dortmund, alongside rising forces like Atalanta, Girona, Bayer Leverkusen, and Galatasaray.
The draw, scheduled to take place in Nyon, Switzerland, will determine the fixtures each club will face during the new phase.
Football analysts say the shake-up will not only increase competitiveness but also boost broadcast and commercial value, with UEFA projecting record global viewership.
Fans across Europe and beyond are eagerly awaiting the fixtures, which will kick-start what many have described as the most radical change to the Champions League in decades.
