From 36 Teams to One Champion

The new format is longer, deeper and more merciless than the old groups. Here's the whole road through 2026/27, stage by stage.

Stage 1 — The league phase

All 36 teams, one table. Eight matches each (six in the Conference League). Finish 1st–8th for a direct Round-of-16 bye; 9th–24th into the play-offs; 25th–36th out.

Stage 2 — The knockout play-offs

The 9th–24th sides play two-legged ties (9th–16th seeded). Eight winners join the top eight.

Stage 3 — The Round of 16

Sixteen teams, a seeded bracket. From here it's straight knockout football.

Stage 4 — Quarters and semis

Two-legged ties, with the home/away order drawn. The bracket path was set by seeding back at the Round of 16.

Stage 5 — The final

A single match at a neutral venue. One night, one trophy.

Walk the road yourself: simulate the full season — league phase to final.