Women’s Champions League Returns Today with Blockbuster Fixtures

The UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) is back and this season promises to be the biggest and most competitive edition yet.

The 2025/26 campaign ushers in a new era for women’s football on the continent with the introduction of expanded 18-team league phase to the women’s champions league.

New Season, New UWCL Format

The tournament has adopted the Swiss model, mirroring changes in the men’s Champions League.

• 18 teams will play in one large league table.

• Each club plays six matches (three home, three away) against different opponents.

• Top 4 teams qualify directly for the quarterfinals.

• Teams ranked 5th–12th enter a playoff knockout round for the remaining four quarterfinal spots.

• Teams ranked 13th–18th are eliminated.

Key UWCL 2025/26 Dates

• League Phase Matchday 1: Oct 7–8, 2025

• Matchday 2: Oct 15–16

• Matchday 3: Nov 11–12

• Matchday 4: Nov 19–20

• Matchday 5: Dec 9–10

• Matchday 6: Dec 17

• Playoff Draw: Dec 18

• Playoffs: Feb 11–12 (1st leg), Apr 1–2 (2nd leg)

• Quarterfinals: Mar 24–25 / Apr 1–2

• Semifinals: Apr 25–26 / May 2–3

• Final: May 22–24

Qualified Teams (18)

• England (ENG): Arsenal (holders), Chelsea, Manchester United

• Spain (ESP): Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid

• France (FRA): OL Lyonnes, Paris Saint-Germain, Paris FC

• Germany (GER): Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg

• Italy (ITA): Juventus, Roma

• Austria (AUT): St. Pölten

• Netherlands (NED): Twente

• Norway (NOR): Vålerenga

• Belgium (BEL): OH Leuven

• Portugal (POR): Benfica

Past Glory & Records

• Most Titles: OL Lyonnes – 8

• Second: Frankfurt – 4

• All-time Top Scorer: Ada Hegerberg – 66 goals

• Most Appearances: Wendie Renard

• First Edition: 2001 (as UEFA Women’s Cup, won by FFC Frankfurt)

• Rebranded: 2009–10 as UWCL

• Group Stage Introduced: 2021–22

Key Contenders

• Arsenal (Holders): Strengthened with Olivia Smith (the first £1m player) and Chloe Kelly, aiming to defend their crown.

• Barcelona: Seeking revenge after losing the final; led by Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas.

• OL Lyonnes: Eight-time winners signed big this summer (Shrader, Yohannes, Brand, Katoto) and hired Jonatan Giráldez to restore dominance.

• Chelsea: Unbeaten domestically last season; eager to finally conquer Europe after their crushing semifinal loss to Barça.

UWCL Matchday 1 Fixtures

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Wednesday, October 8, 2025