Soccer Explained: A Breakdown of the New Champions League Format

The 2024-25 edition of the UEFA Champions League will introduce a revamped format, aimed at increasing competition and excitement. Here's how it will work: 1. Expansion: The number of participating teams will increase from 32 to 36, with each team playing 10 group stage matches instead of the current 6. 2. Group stage: The 36 teams will be divided into six groups of six, with each team playing home and away matches against the other teams in their group. 3. Knockout stage: The top four teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, with the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final following the traditional knockout format. 4. Wildcard entry: To add unpredictability and drama, two wildcard entries will be granted to teams with the highest UEFA coefficient that did not qualify through their domestic league or previous Champions League performances. 5. Prize money: The prize money distribution will be restructured to reward teams for their performance in each stage of the competition, providing a more equitable distribution among all participating teams. Overall, the new format of the UEFA Champions League promises to deliver more matches, more drama, and more opportunities for underdog teams to make a mark on the European stage. Fans can expect an even more thrilling and competitive tournament in 2024-25.

ONE LEAGUE

All teams will compete in a single 36-team league, replacing the previous format of eight groups with four teams each.

In the new league phase, teams will play eight matches instead of facing three opponents twice. They will play against eight different teams, with half of the games at home and half away.

The top eight teams will advance directly to the Round of 16, while those finishing from ninth to 24th will enter a two-legged knockout play-off for a chance to secure a spot in the next stage.

Teams that finish 25th or lower will be eliminated and will not advance to the Europa League.

From the Round of 16 onward, the Champions League will revert to its traditional format, with the final held at a neutral location.

WHO DRAW WHO?

Teams are divided into four pots for the draw based on their club coefficient.

Each team will play against two teams from each pot, with one match held at home and the other away.

Teams will be restricted from facing rivals from their own country and will be limited to playing against only two clubs from any single country.

MORE MATCHES

Under the new format, the total number of matches will rise from 125 to 189, with each team playing between eight and 17 games, and the league phase extending until the end of January rather than concluding before Christmas.