How the Champions League 2026/27 Works
Discover how the Champions League 2026/27 works: 36-team format, 8 matches, single league table, playoffs, and qualification for the round of 16.
How the 2026/27 Champions League Works
The UEFA Champions League uses a new format with a single league phase replacing the traditional groups. The competition features 36 teams, all placed in one overall league table.
Each team plays 8 matches against 8 different opponents: 4 at home and 4 away. The goal is to earn as many points as possible to qualify directly for the round of 16 or gain access to the playoffs.
How the Standings Work
The scoring system remains traditional:
- 3 points for a win;
- 1 point for a draw;
- 0 points for a loss.
At the end of the 8 matchdays, the single league table determines each team's future:
- 1st to 8th place: direct qualification to the round of 16;
- 9th to 24th place: entry into the playoffs;
- 25th to 36th place: elimination from the competition.
How Many Matches Does Each Team Play?
Each club plays 8 matches in the league phase. Unlike the old format, teams do not face three opponents twice (home and away); instead, every match is against a different opponent.
Each team thus plays:
- 4 matches at home;
- 4 matches away;
- 8 matches against 8 different opponents.
How the Draw Works
The 36 teams are divided into four pots. Each club faces two opponents from each pot, one home and one away.
The system is designed to increase the number of matches between different teams and make the initial phase more varied compared to the old group stage.
What Happens After the League Phase?
The top 8 teams in the standings qualify directly for the round of 16.
The teams ranked 9th to 24th play in the playoffs. The winners of these playoffs join the top 8 in the round of 16.
From that point, the competition continues with:
- round of 16;
- quarter-finals;
- semi-finals;
- final.
Why Is the New Format Different?
The main difference lies in the single league table. All teams compete in the same ranking, and every result can affect numerous positions.
This makes goal difference, goals scored, and other tiebreaking criteria particularly important when teams finish with the same points.
How to Follow the Champions League on Football17
On Football17, you can follow Champions League matches with live scores, event updates, statistics, lineups, benches, head-to-head records, schedules, and standings.
You can also visit dedicated pages for teams and players to check recent results, upcoming matches, and statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams participate in the Champions League?
The league phase includes 36 teams.
How many matches does each team play?
Each team plays 8 matches against 8 different opponents.
How many teams qualify directly to the round of 16?
The top 8 in the single league table qualify directly to the round of 16.
What happens to teams ranked 9th to 24th?
They play playoffs to secure a spot in the round of 16.
Do teams ranked 25th and below go to the Europa League?
No. Teams ranked 25th to 36th are eliminated from the Champions League.