The UEFA Women’s Champions League introduced a completely new format in 2025/26, and the 2026/27 season will be the second year under this system. While the changes were designed to make the competition more exciting, many supporters still find the format confusing. In this guide, we explain exactly how the Women’s Champions League works in simple terms. Read our full guide on the upcoming UWCL season for more information.
What Changed in the Women’s Champions League?
The biggest change is the replacement of the traditional group stage. Previously, 16 teams were divided into four groups of four. Each team played six matches against three opponents home and away. Now, UEFA uses an 18-team league phase instead. Every team is placed in one overall league table rather than separate groups.
How Many Teams Are in the League Phase?
There are 18 teams in the Women’s Champions League league phase.
- 9 teams qualify directly
- 9 teams come through qualification
All 18 teams compete in one league table.
How Many Matches Does Each Team Play?
Each club plays six matches.
Unlike the old group stage, teams no longer play the same opponents twice.
Instead, they face six different teams:
- Three matches at home
- Three matches away
This creates more variety and more high-profile fixtures throughout the competition.
How Are Opponents Chosen?
Before the draw, clubs are divided into three seeding pots based on UEFA club coefficients. Each team is then drawn to play:
| Pot | Opponents |
|---|---|
| Pot 1 | Two teams |
| Pot 2 | Two teams |
| Pot 3 | Two teams |
One match against each pot is played at home and one away. This ensures every club faces a balanced range of opponents.
How Does the League Table Work?
All 18 teams are ranked in a single table. Points are awarded as follows:
| Result | Points |
| Win | 3 |
| Draw | 1 |
| Loss | 0 |
After six matchdays, the final standings determine who progresses to the knockout stage.
How Do Teams Reach the Quarter-Finals?
- The top four teams automatically qualify for the quarter-finals.
- Teams finishing between fifth and twelfth enter a knockout play-off round.
- Teams finishing between 13th and 18th are eliminated.
League Phase Outcomes
| Position | Outcome |
| 1st–4th | Direct to quarter-finals |
| 5th–12th | Knockout play-offs |
| 13th–18th | Eliminated |
What Are the Knockout Phase Play-Offs?
The teams finishing between fifth and twelfth play a two-legged knockout tie. The four winners advance to the quarter-finals. This means eight teams eventually reach the last eight:
- Four automatic qualifiers
- Four play-off winners
What Happens After the Quarter-Finals?
From the quarter-finals onwards, the competition follows a traditional knockout format. The stages are:
- Quarter-finals
- Semi-finals
- Final
Quarter-finals and semi-finals are played over two legs, while the final is a single match at a neutral venue.
Why Did UEFA Change the Format?
UEFA wanted:
- More competitive matches
- More clubs involved
- Greater uncertainty in qualification races
- More meaningful fixtures throughout the league phase
The new format also aligns more closely with the structure used in UEFA’s men’s competitions.
Final Thoughts
The Women’s Champions League format may look complicated at first, but the basic idea is simple.
Instead of four separate groups, all 18 teams now compete in one league table. Every team plays six different opponents, and the strongest sides advance to the knockout rounds.
For fans, it means more variety, more big matches and a more competitive race for qualification.
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