Champions League: 18 clubs confirmed for 2026–2027

Eighteen clubs have secured their place in the 2026–2027 Champions League as the European season draws to a close. However, several spots are still to be decided in the final rounds and qualifying stages.

Qualifiers

Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United have all qualified, with the Premier League awarded an extra Champions League place through UEFA’s “European performance spots” system.

In Spain, La Liga also secured an extra place through the same system. This takes its total to five representatives: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Villarreal and Real Betis.

Germany’s Bayern Munich qualified by winning the league title. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig confirmed their places by finishing second and third respectively.

In France, Paris Saint-Germain qualified as champions, with Nice securing second place and a spot in next season’s competition.

From the Netherlands, PSV Eindhoven qualified as league champions, while Feyenoord also booked their place in the tournament.

In Portugal, Porto secured qualification by winning the league, while Galatasaray claimed Turkey’s spot after winning the Turkish Super Lig.

Inter Milan also confirmed their participation after finishing in the top four of Series A. The remaining Champions League places are still being contested there.

The champion’s pathway

Shakhtar Donetsk benefited from UEFA’s coefficient-based redistribution system. Although they were originally set to begin in the qualifying rounds, adjustments linked to the current season’s Champions League finalists meant the “champions’ pathway” spot was reallocated. As a result, they gained direct entry as the highest-ranked eligible club not already qualified.

The league phase of the next edition will feature 36 teams. So far, 29 clubs have been confirmed. The remaining seven places are to be decided through qualifying rounds in the opening months of the 2026–2027 season.

Featured image via UEFA