The Women’s Champions League has launched a significant new phase, replacing its previous group stage with an 18-team league system. Under this revised structure, each club will face six different opponents—three at home and three away. Only the top four teams will advance directly to the quarter-finals, while those finishing from fifth to 12th will enter a playoff round to decide the remaining four spots.
This evolution arrives just four years after the competition first introduced a group stage. While some may question the timing, the expansion to include more clubs is a welcome development, reflecting the growing strength and depth of women’s football across the continent. The new format also provides flexibility for potential future growth. The initial adjustment period for fans is to be expected, and the success of these changes will ultimately be judged by the quality of football on display.
A new broadcasting agreement with Disney+ promises wider accessibility, a marked improvement over previous arrangements that had considered restrictive paywalls. The inclusion of some free-to-air coverage is seen as crucial for boosting the tournament’s profile.
The race for the European trophy appears more open than ever. Defending champions Arsenal have shown signs of vulnerability recently, dropping points in domestic play, and face an immediate test of their resolve in their opening match. Barcelona, three-time winners in the last five years, remain a formidable force but could be tested by a thin squad as the tournament progresses.
In Germany, both Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich are unbeaten domestically, yet a German club has not lifted the European trophy in a decade. The eight-time champions from France have a perfect record in their league and an early opportunity to make a statement.
Chelsea, still stung by a heavy semi-final defeat last season, are determined to challenge for the title, though their domestic performances have not been entirely convincing. Another English club is embarking on its debut campaign in the competition proper. Strong defensive showings against top domestic rivals highlight their potential, but a lack of squad depth could be a concern, especially with a key defender sidelined. Their inaugural group stage schedule is particularly demanding.
The tournament also offers a platform for emerging talent. A young English forward has been rewarded for a strong start to the season with a leading role at Chelsea and seems poised to excel if given opportunities in Europe. Meanwhile, a highly-regarded 18-year-old American midfielder has made an immediate impact with her new French club following a transfer. At Arsenal, a young defender has earned a starting position due to injury and has impressed with her physical presence and game intelligence.
The 2026 final will be held at Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadion, which has a capacity of over 27,000. The Norwegian venue was selected over competing bids from Stuttgart and Glasgow.
