Champions League
Before the Champions League league phase begins, clubs battle through a series of qualifying rounds for one of the last tickets. This guide explains how that qualification works: the rounds, the Champions Path and League Path, the match dates, and which Belgian clubs are involved in 2026/2027.
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How does qualification work?
Since the new format (2024/2025), the old preliminary round has been abolished. Qualification consists of four rounds:
- 1st qualifying round (Q1), 2nd (Q2), 3rd (Q3) and the play-off round.
- Each round is played over two legs (home and away); the winner goes through.
- In total, 7 clubs reach the league phase through qualification.
Where a club enters depends on the UEFA coefficient: clubs from stronger countries start later (for example in the 3rd qualifying round or the play-off round), while clubs from lower-ranked countries already start in the 1st or 2nd round. The strongest qualifying clubs therefore play fewer rounds before they can reach the league phase.
Champions Path and League Path
From the second qualifying round, qualification splits into two paths. Where a club enters depends on the UEFA coefficient.
The split exists to give champions of smaller football nations a fairer chance: in the Champions Path they face each other rather than being pitted straight away against the runners-up from the big leagues. That way, clubs from smaller countries also reach the league phase every season - something that gives the tournament its broad, European character.
Match dates - summer 2026
Belgian clubs in the Champions League 2026/2027
- Club Brugge (national champions 2025/26): directly qualified for the league phase - no qualification needed.
- Union Saint-Gilloise (runners-up): start in the 3rd qualifying round of the League Path. If Union win that tie, the play-off round follows for a place in the league phase.
What is at stake?
A lot is at stake. A place in the league phase brings not only prestige, but also considerable prize money and TV revenue. For a club like Union Saint-Gilloise, one successful qualifying campaign can be an enormous boost, both financially and on the pitch. And even those who just fall at the final hurdle stay active in Europe - those clubs get a second chance in the Europa League (see below).
From qualification to the league phase
Whoever wins the play-off round qualifies for the league phase with 36 clubs. Those who lose the play-off round - in both the Champions Path and the League Path - drop down to the league phase of the Europa League. Being knocked out at this stage therefore does not immediately mean the end of the European season.
FAQ
How many clubs reach the league phase through qualification?
7 clubs - 5 via the Champions Path and 2 via the League Path.
Does the Belgian champion play qualification?
No. Club Brugge, as national champions, are directly qualified for the league phase.
In which round does Union Saint-Gilloise start?
In the 3rd qualifying round of the League Path, followed by the play-off round if they win.
Over how many matches is a qualifying round played?
Over two: a first leg and a second leg.
When does Union Saint-Gilloise play qualification?
In the 3rd qualifying round (1st leg 4-5 August, 2nd leg 11 August 2026). If they win, the play-off round follows (18-19 and 25-26 August 2026).
What if Union lose the play-off round?
Then Union are not eliminated: the losers of the play-off round drop down to the league phase of the Europa League.
More Champions League guides
Standings, draw, results and more.
The 36-club format explained.
How the league phase draw works.
Follow the qualification closely: check the qualification odds or the results. On the go? Download the Napoleon Sports app.
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