The UEFA Champions League began with 36 teams for the first time in the 2024-25 season. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won the title for the first time in their history in the new format. The qualifying rounds for the 2025-26 Champions League season are not yet over. Four clubs from Cyprus, Norway, Kazakhstan and Belgium have already secured their first place in the upcoming season.
Cyprus’ Paphos FC and Norway’s Bodo/Glimt secured their place in the Champions League main round after winning the play-offs on Tuesday night. Paphos faced Red Star Belgrade. Despite drawing 1-1 in yesterday’s match, they won 3-2 on aggregate. On the other hand, Bodo/Glimt won 6-2 on aggregate against Austria’s Sturm Graz.
Although the Cypriot club Paphos has not been established for very long. The club, which emerged 11 years ago, has recently come into the spotlight by signing former Chelsea and Arsenal Brazilian defender David Luiz. After defeating Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dynamo Kiev, they will face Red Star Belgrade in the play-offs. They will become the third Cypriot club to play in the Champions League by winning over both legs.
A few months ago, four-time Norwegian league winners Bodo/Glimt played in the FIFA Club World Cup. This time, they are the first Norwegian club to reach the main stage of the Champions League since the 2007-08 season. Bodo/Glimt reached the semi-finals of the Europa League the previous season. Tottenham also celebrated the title after defeating them in the final.
Earlier, Kazakhstan champion Kairat Almaty and Belgian champion Union Saint-Gilloa secured their first tickets to the upcoming Champions League. The Kazakh club surprised the former European champion Celtic by defeating them. Kairat is going to play on the highest stage of Europe after moving from that country to Astana. In addition, Saint-Gilloa will be the champion of the Belgian Pro League in the 2024-25 season and will directly enter the UCL.
The draw for the main stage of the upcoming UCL will be held in Monaco next Thursday. Then, the first round matches will be held from September 16 to 18.
FAQ
Which clubs have secured historic spots in the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League?
Paphos FC (Cyprus), Bodo/Glimt (Norway), Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan), and Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium) have qualified for the main group stage for the first time.
How did Paphos FC qualify?
Paphos FC defeated Red Star Belgrade with a 3–2 aggregate in the play-offs, becoming the third Cypriot club to reach the UCL group stage.
What’s notable about Bodo/Glimt’s qualification?
Bodo/Glimt are the first Norwegian club since 2007–08 to reach the UCL group stage. They defeated Sturm Graz 6–2 on aggregate.
