The UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) is back and this season promises to be the biggest and most competitive edition yet.
The 2025/26 campaign ushers in a new era for women’s football on the continent with the introduction of expanded 18-team league phase to the women’s champions league.
New Season, New UWCL Format
The tournament has adopted the Swiss model, mirroring changes in the men’s Champions League.
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18 teams will play in one large league table.
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Each club plays six matches (three home, three away) against different opponents.
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Top 4 teams qualify directly for the quarterfinals.
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Teams ranked 5th–12th enter a playoff knockout round for the remaining four quarterfinal spots.
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Teams ranked 13th–18th are eliminated.
Key UWCL 2025/26 Dates
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League Phase Matchday 1: Oct 7–8, 2025
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Matchday 2: Oct 15–16
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Matchday 3: Nov 11–12
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Matchday 4: Nov 19–20
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Matchday 5: Dec 9–10
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Matchday 6: Dec 17
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Playoff Draw: Dec 18
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Playoffs: Feb 11–12 (1st leg), Apr 1–2 (2nd leg)
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Quarterfinals: Mar 24–25 / Apr 1–2
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Semifinals: Apr 25–26 / May 2–3
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Final: May 22–24
Qualified Teams (18)
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England (ENG): Arsenal (holders), Chelsea, Manchester United
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Spain (ESP): Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid
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France (FRA): OL Lyonnes, Paris Saint-Germain, Paris FC
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Germany (GER): Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg
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Italy (ITA): Juventus, Roma
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Austria (AUT): St. Pölten
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Netherlands (NED): Twente
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Norway (NOR): Vålerenga
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Belgium (BEL): OH Leuven
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Portugal (POR): Benfica
Past Glory & Records
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Most Titles: OL Lyonnes – 8
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Second: Frankfurt – 4
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All-time Top Scorer: Ada Hegerberg – 66 goals
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Most Appearances: Wendie Renard
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First Edition: 2001 (as UEFA Women’s Cup, won by FFC Frankfurt)
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Rebranded: 2009–10 as UWCL
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Group Stage Introduced: 2021–22
Key Contenders
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Arsenal (Holders): Strengthened with Olivia Smith (the first £1m player) and Chloe Kelly, aiming to defend their crown.
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Barcelona: Seeking revenge after losing the final; led by Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas.
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OL Lyonnes: Eight-time winners signed big this summer (Shrader, Yohannes, Brand, Katoto) and hired Jonatan Giráldez to restore dominance.
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Chelsea: Unbeaten domestically last season; eager to finally conquer Europe after their crushing semifinal loss to Barça.
UWCL Matchday 1 Fixtures
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
| Match | Kick-off | Venue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juventus vs Benfica | 17:45 | Allianz Stadium, Torino (ITA) | |
| Arsenal vs OL Lyonnes | 20:00 | Mangata Pay UK Stadium, Borehamwood (ENG) | |
| Barcelona vs Bayern Munich | 20:00 | Estadi Johan Cruyff, Barcelona (ESP) | |
| Paris FC vs OH Leuven | 20:00 | Stade Charléty, Paris (FRA) |
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
| Match | Kick-off | Venue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FC Twente vs Chelsea | 17:45 | De Grolsch Veste, Enschede (NED) | |
| Real Madrid vs Roma | 17:45 | Alfredo Di Stéfano, Madrid (ESP) | |
| Manchester United vs Vålerenga | 20:00 | Progress with Unity Stadium, Manchester (ENG) | |
| St. Pölten vs Atlético Madrid | 20:00 | NV Arena, St. Pölten (AUT) | |
| Wolfsburg vs Paris Saint-Germain | 20:00 | AOK Stadion, Wolfsburg (GER) |
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