UEFA has conducted the first- and second-round qualifying draws for the 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL), setting the stage for clubs across Europe to compete for the final nine spots in the tournament’s new 18-team league phase.
Nine clubs have already secured direct entry into the league stage, including the 2024/25 UWCL titleholders Arsenal, French powerhouse OL Lyon, Women’s Super League champions Chelsea, and last season’s runners-up Barcelona.
The remaining slots will be filled via two qualifying routes: four clubs will qualify through the Champions Path, while five more will earn their place through the League Path.
Under the revamped format, 46 domestic champions from associations without automatic league-phase berths will enter the Champions Path. Meanwhile, 22 additional clubs — non-league champions — will compete in the League Path.
Big names like Manchester United (England), Hammarby (Sweden), and AS Roma (Italy) will headline the League Path, promising high-stakes matchups as the quality and competitiveness of women’s football continue to grow across Europe.
Both the first and second qualifying rounds will follow a mini-tournament format, consisting of single-leg semifinals, finals, and third-place matches — all hosted by one of the participating clubs.
Winners from these stages will progress to the decisive third qualifying round. The nine final-round winners will advance to the UWCL League Phase, while the runners-up will move into UEFA’s newly introduced Europa Cup competition.
The journey to UWCL glory begins with the first round on July 30, followed by second-round mini-tournaments starting August 27.
