Champions League: qualified for the round of 16, Barça cashes in big | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal

As of Wednesday night, we now know the eight teams directly qualified for the round of 16 while waiting for the playoff contenders. FC Barcelona has secured millions of euros with this qualification.

Barça can flash a broad smile after sealing their direct qualification for the 2026 Champions League round of 16. This achievement has brought the club a staggering sum, estimated at €87 million.

This windfall comes from a combination of bonuses and premiums according to UEFA's criteria. Simply reaching the round of 16 is worth €11 million, with an extra €2 million for finishing among the top 16 and €8.8 million for their fifth-place finish in the group stage. Victories against Copenhagen and the draw with Brugge contribute an additional €11.2 million, while participation in the group stage guarantees a fixed payout of €18.62 million. Lastly, the “value pillar”—which combines TV rights, sponsors, and the ten-year historical coefficient—adds another €35.38 million, making for an already colossal total.

The Catalans are in for some real heavyweight challenges ahead. Each step they advance in the knockout stage could further boost this jackpot: €12.5 million for the quarterfinals, €15 million for the semifinals, €18.5 million for reaching the final, an extra €6.5 million for lifting the trophy, and four million for the upcoming UEFA Super Cup, with a bonus if they win it.