The UEFA Champions League underwent a significant overhaul for the 2024–25 season, moving away from the format that had been in place since 2003.
The change saw the tournament shift from a traditional group stage—where 32 teams were divided into eight groups of four—to a new, expanded league phase featuring 36 teams.
There were concerns over the alterations but the inaugural campaign of the new Swiss model brought with it incredible drama and the typical chaos associated with Europe’s elite competition. The format has been retained for the 2025–26 season.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Champions League’s new format, including how teams qualify, how the tournament operates, and the prizes at stake.






