The marathon of the brand-new UEFA Champions League phase is over, the brutal knockout playoffs are done, and the dust has finally settled. Out of 36 clubs,
only 16 true heavyweights remain standing in the race for the 2025/26 European crown in Budapest!
Forget the traditional draws; the new Champions League format has mathematically locked in specific pathways, meaning we already know which giants are on a collision course. But before we reveal the blockbuster matchups waiting for us in the Round of 16, let's meet the 16 gladiators who survived the ultimate test.
Champions League: Which Teams have Qualified for Round of 16?
Top 8 Automatic Qualifiers
These teams dominated the league phase, earning a direct ticket to the Round of 16 and the crucial advantage of playing their second leg at home:
1. Arsenal (ENG): The Invincibles 2.0. Arsenal was perfect. They became the first team to win all 8 games (24 points) in the new league phase format, scoring 23 goals and conceding just 4.
2. Bayern Munich (GER): Harry Kane and Co. won 7 out of 8 matches, with their only hiccup coming against Arsenal. A fearsome German machine.
3. Liverpool (ENG): The European royalty from Anfield looked extremely comfortable on the continental stage, securing a highly impressive 3rd place.
4. Tottenham Hotspur (ENG): The ultimate surprise package! Struggling domestically, but absolutely flying in Europe to snatch 4th place above massive traditional giants.
5. Barcelona (ESP): La Masia's finest brought their attacking flair to Europe, securing 16 points and cruising into the top 8.
6. Chelsea (ENG): The Blues turned Stamford Bridge into a fortress, grabbing 16 points and proving they are back among Europe's elite.
7. Sporting CP (POR): The Portuguese champions punched well above their weight, outclassing richer clubs to finish 7th.
8. Manchester City (ENG): Pep Guardiola's men snuck into the final automatic spot on the last day, benefiting from Real Madrid's shock loss to Benfica in the league phase.
The Playoff Survivors (The Unseeded Warriors)
These teams had to fight for their lives in the two-legged knockout playoffs in late February. They are unseeded but incredibly dangerous:
9. Real Madrid (ESP): The 15-time champions survived a massive scare, beating Benfica 3-1 on aggregate. Never, ever write off Los Blancos in the Champions League.
10. Paris Saint-Germain (FRA): The reigning cup holders edged past Monaco in a 5-4 aggregate thriller, driven by the brilliance of Achraf Hakimi.
11. Newcastle United (ENG): The Magpies were ruthless, absolutely destroying Qarabağ with a shocking 9-3 aggregate scoreline.
12. Atletico Madrid (ESP): Diego Simeone's warriors crushed Club Brugge 7-4 on aggregate, reminding everyone of their lethal counter-attacks.
13. Atalanta (ITA): Pulled off the comeback of the season! After trailing 2-0, the Italian side dismantled Borussia Dortmund 4-1 to progress.
14. Bayer Leverkusen (GER): Xabi Alonso's invincible aura in Germany translated to Europe with a professional 2-0 aggregate win over Olympiacos.
15. Galatasaray (TUR): Pure Turkish chaos! They eliminated mighty Juventus 7-5 in a wildly entertaining extra-time aggregate victory.
16. Bodo/Glimt (NOR): The ultimate giant-killers. The Norwegian underdogs stunned last year's finalists, Inter Milan, 5-2 on aggregate to keep their fairytale alive.
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Schedule and Draw Date
Round of 16 First Legs: March 10-11, 2026.
Round of 16 Second Legs: March 17-18, 2026.
The Final Draw: Friday, February 27, 2026.
