Foot Africa
·27 August 2025
UCL 2025/26 Draw Preview: Key Fixtures and Pot Mechanics Explained

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsFoot Africa
·27 August 2025
36 clubs set for the new format, including six from the Premier League
Photo: Getty Images
The UEFA Champions league group stage draw for the 2025 /26 season will take place tomorrow Thursday 28August following the conclusion of the preliminary qualifying rounds on Wednesday evening.
A total of 36 team will participate under the new system introduced last season. England dominates with 6 club:
Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City secured their spots by finishing in the top 4 of last season’s Premier League.
Newcastle claimed the 5th English slot thanks to UEFA’s additional allocation for top performing clubs while Tottenham qualified directly after winning the europa league.
Spain contributes 5 teams:
Which benefited from the extra spot due to overall Spanish performance.
France despite PSG winning last season’s Champions league retains its usual number of spots with no extra allocations.
The draw in Monaco'll follow last year’s procedures with teams split into 4 pot:
Three team in Pots 3 & 4 will be finalized after tonight’s playoff matches.