New Format Unveiled for UEFA Women's Champions League: Draw and Format Explained

- Discover the revamped format of the UEFA Women's Champions League, including the draw process and key differences from the men's competition. Learn about the new Women's Europa Cup and upcoming matches.

New UEFA Women's Champions League Format Revealed

The UEFA Women's Champions League introduces a new format with 18 teams competing in a league table, mirroring the men's competition. Nine automatic qualifiers join nine teams from qualifying rounds. The league phase draws take place on Sept. 19.

Key Changes in Format

The revamped format eliminates group stages, focusing on a league phase where teams aim to secure a spot in the knockout phase playoffs. The top four teams advance directly to the quarterfinals, emphasizing league standings.

League Phase and Knockout Bracket

The league phase results determine matchups in the knockout bracket, emphasizing the importance of finishing higher for a favorable path. The draw on Dec. 18 sets the bracket with no country protection, allowing potential intra-league matchups.

League Phase Draw Process

The league phase draw on Sept. 19 involves three pots, ensuring teams do not face clubs from their own league and limiting matchups against teams from the same country. The draw ceremony now uses a computer to select opponents and determine home/away matches.

Upcoming Matches and Schedule

The Women's Champions League schedule includes third qualifying round matches in September, league phase matches from October to December, quarterfinals in February, semifinals in March/April, and the final in May at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway.

UEFA Women's Europa Cup

The Women's Europa Cup is introduced as a second-tier competition, featuring teams from lower-ranked nations and Women's Champions League qualifying round losers. The knockout format culminates in the final played across two legs.