UEFA Champions League has already begun taking shape for the 2026/27 season, with 19 clubs officially confirmed for the expanded league phase — including Manchester United.
The Red Devils secured their return to Europe’s top competition after a 3-2 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford earlier in the season, a result that guaranteed a top-five Premier League finish and Champions League qualification.
Premier League representation confirmed
Alongside Manchester United, English giants Arsenal and Manchester City have also booked their spots, with more Premier League teams still expected to join before the season ends.
UEFA’s updated access list confirms that the Champions League will feature 36 teams in the new league phase format, with several spots still open across Europe.
Big European names already locked in
Some of Europe’s biggest clubs have also confirmed qualification, including:
- Real Madrid
- FC Barcelona
- Atletico Madrid
- Bayern Munich
- Borussia Dortmund
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Inter Milan
Early qualified teams (so far)
Other confirmed clubs include:
- FC Porto
- Feyenoord
- PSV Eindhoven
- RB Leipzig
- Villarreal
- Galatasaray
- Shakhtar Donetsk
- Lens
- Slavia Prague
Qualification race still ongoing
With most European leagues still finishing their campaigns, several spots remain open — especially in England, Italy, France, and the Netherlands.
The Premier League, for example, still has additional qualification permutations, with clubs like Liverpool, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and Brighton all in contention depending on final standings and European trophy outcomes.
Bigger Champions League ahead
The 2026/27 season will continue under the expanded league-phase format, increasing competition intensity and ensuring more top clashes before the knockout rounds even begin.
With giants like Manchester United back on the stage and European powerhouses already confirmed, next season’s Champions League is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in history.
