European Football: The dream begins from the first draw

More than 150 of 230 top-flight clubs begin their 2025/26 European club football journey at the first and second qualifying round draws tomorrow and Wednesday

Draws for the qualifying stages of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday in Nyon

The new European club season may still feel distant to some, but in Nyon it has already begun. Around a third of the clubs populating all European top divisions every season become part of UEFA club competitions, and for many of them the journey begins early in summer with the qualification phase.

These draws mark more than a procedural start. For dozens of clubs across the continent, it is the first step on a path filled with ambition, pride, and the desire to offer their fans a European dream.

In July and August, more than 400 matches will take place in the qualifying rounds to complete the three 36-team league phase lineups which will form the focal point from September to January.

Ahead of the draws on 17 and 18 June, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin commented:

“This week’s draws are testament to what European football is all about: inclusivity, diversity, fairness and opportunity.

“I am delighted to welcome so many clubs represented in the upcoming draws. This demonstrates UEFA’s commitment in developing club football in all corners of Europe. Clubs from all of our 55 member associations must have a chance to experience world class football and to test themselves in the world’s premier club competitions, while offering their fans a truly international adventure.

“The clubs in tomorrow’s draw and their fans are dreaming big. They follow in the footsteps of giant teams and legendary players. And at the end of the season, European champions will emerge who have had to beat the best to earn their crown."

More than 150 clubs from 50 national associations will gather in Nyon for the first and second qualifying round draws of the UEFA men’s club competitions. As in previous years, all the clubs attending the draw are invited to stay on at the House of European Football for a social gathering, attended by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and Deputy General Secretary Giorgio Marchetti, which will offer all participating clubs interesting networking opportunities and the possibility to share views on the future of football and European competitions with UEFA.

The new league phase format positively delivered against its key objectives of broadening access, balancing competition and increasing the appeal of UEFA competitions through high-stake compelling football matches till the very end. From underdog breakthroughs to first-time winners, and teams pushing until the final whistle, the inaugural season showed how the changes benefitted fans’ experiences and all participating clubs.

Feedback from clubs has been overwhelmingly positive. In surveys conducted post-season, nearly every respondent expressed approval of the new format. Clubs highlighted its superiority over the previous setup in terms of competitiveness and unpredictability. Many appreciated the opportunity to face a wider variety of opponents—bringing new challenges and exposure. Notable examples like Stade Brestois, FK Bodø/Glimt, NK Celje and Djurgardens IF showed how clubs can gain visibility and valuable experience, while achieving outstanding results, against Europe’s elite.