We’re approaching crunch time in the UEFA Champions League as teams battle it out for a place in the knockouts.
There are just two more matchdays remaining in the league phase and no side has yet been mathematically eliminated from contention for at least a spot in the knockout-stage playoff round.
A lot could be decided on matchday seven this week, although we’re not likely to get a clear picture until we head into the final league-phase round on January 28, when all matches take place at the same time.
Here is a run-down of how things look in terms of teams qualifying for the Round of 16.
Teams in Champions League knockouts 2025/26
The top eight teams in the league-phase table qualify directly to the Round of 16, bypassing the playoff round completely.
It’s an extremely coveted position as those sides not only avoid the peril of a playoff matchup but are also seeded in the Round of 16 draw, so they will be partnered with an opponent that finished lower in the table.
As of matchday seven in 2025/26, no team is yet guaranteed a top-eight finish. Arsenal are the most likely to do so: they need a point from their visit to Inter Milan to ensure a bye to the Round of 16.
Teams qualified for Champions League Round of 16
- Arsenal*
- Bayern Munich*
- Paris Saint-Germain*
- Manchester City*
- Atalanta*
*Guaranteed at least a knockout-phase playoff place. Not yet qualified automatically for Round of 16.
Teams qualified for Champions League knockout playoffs
Below the top eight Round of 16 byes, the next 16 clubs qualify to the knockout-round playoffs.
Positions 9-16 will be seeded in the playoff-round draw and will have the preferred second-leg home match, while positions 17-24 are unseeded.
Prior to matchday seven of the league phase, only the below five teams — Arsenal, Bayern Munich, PSG, Manchester City, and Atalanta — were certain of at least a knockout-playoff place.
Teams in Champions League knockout playoffs 2025/26
| Club | Nation |
| Arsenal | England |
| Bayern Munich | Germany |
| Paris Saint-Germain | France |
| Manchester City | England |
| Atalanta | Italy |
Teams eliminated from Champions League 2025/26
No team has yet been mathematically eliminated from at least a place in the playoffs.
However, the bottom two sides — Kairat and Villarreal — have just one point from the first six matchdays and are both almost certain to miss out on the next phase. In fact, Opta’s prediction tool already considers them to have a 100% likelihood of elimination.
When are the Champions League knockout playoffs 2025/26?
The first legs of the playoff matches will take place over February 17-18, 2026. The return legs are a week later over February 24-25.
When are Champions League Round of 16 games 2025/26?
The Round of 16 games will be played over March 10-11, and March 17-18.
