Thirty-six teams compete in the 2024/25 UCL season under a new format.

The UEFA Champions League (UCL) is undergoing a significant format change starting from the 2024/25 season. This revamp marks the most substantial alteration since 1992 and aims to enhance the competition's structure and excitement.

New Format Overview

The traditional group stage format, which featured 32 teams divided into eight groups of four, is being replaced by a single league phase involving 36 teams. This new structure is often referred to as the "Swiss system," a format commonly used in chess tournaments.

Key Changes

Increased Number of Teams: The competition will now feature 36 teams, up from the previous 32. This allows for additional clubs from top-performing leagues and a national champion from the qualifying rounds.

League Phase: Instead of playing six matches against three opponents, each team will play eight matches against eight different opponents—four at home and four away. The teams will be drawn from four seeded pots, with each team playing two opponents from each pot.

Knockout Qualification: The top eight teams from the league phase will automatically qualify for the round of 16. Teams finishing 9th to 24th will enter a two-legged playoff to secure the remaining spots in the knockout stage. The bottom 12 teams will be eliminated from European competition.

Match Scheduling: The league phase will extend into January, adding two extra matchdays compared to the previous format. Matches will be played on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during exclusive weeks dedicated to the Champions League.

Implications

This new format aims to increase the number of high-stakes matches and ensure that every game has the potential to impact a team's progression. It also allows for more diverse matchups, with teams facing a wider range of opponents across Europe. The changes are designed to maintain competitive balance and enhance the viewing experience for fans, while also addressing the logistical challenges of an expanded tournament.