Preparations are in full swing for the new season of the UEFA Champions League, the prestigious competition that unites the continent's elite teams and is eagerly awaited by millions of football fans. Having secured direct qualification for the new league phase of the 2026-2027 season, 27 grand clubs have been officially confirmed. As the intense battles in Europe's top five leagues and other leading domestic championships conclude, the spots for this prestigious trophy have found their owners.
Interestingly, following a fierce finish in the English Premier League (EPL), Liverpool securing 5th place and a Champions League spot turned out to be a huge and pleasant surprise for Portuguese runners-up Sporting. Since Aston Villa, the new Europa League winners, had already secured a UCL spot via the EPL, the reallocation of quotas meant the Portuguese side qualified directly for the main league phase without needing to play any stressful qualifying rounds.
The list of giants: Who made it to the main draw?
As of now, the following famous clubs from Europe's leading nations have guaranteed their participation in the continent's top tournament:
England: Arsenal, Manchester City, the revitalized Manchester United, the intense Aston Villa, and the consistent Liverpool.
Spain: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal, the combative Atletico Madrid, and Betis.
Germany: Bundesliga giants — Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and one of the season's revelations, Stuttgart.
Italy: Serie A representatives — Inter Milan and the resurgent Napoli.
France: Ligue 1 giants PSG, the intense Lens, and Lille.
Netherlands: Eredivisie powerhouses — PSV and Feyenoord.
Portugal: Porto and the aforementioned Sporting.
Belgium: The country's top team, Club Brugge.
Czech Republic: The unique Prague-based club Slavia.
Turkey: Istanbul's famous giant Galatasaray.
Ukraine: Shakhtar Donetsk, a club with many years of international experience.
How will the remaining spots be decided?
For fans, it is worth noting that the last two direct tickets to the new-format Champions League league phase will go to representatives of the Italian Serie A (based on season results and UEFA coefficients).
The final seven spots in the main draw, the most exciting part of the competition, will be determined through intense and uncompromising qualifying play-off matches held over the summer. A new season of football passion and great clashes awaits us!
In your opinion, which country's clubs will dominate the new league phase, and which of these 27 teams do you consider the main favorite for the upcoming tournament?
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