Which teams have guaranteed Champions League knockout spots?

As of December 10, 2025, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have secured their places in the Champions League knockout rounds.

How many teams qualify for the Champions League knockout stage?

From the 36-team league phase, the top 24 teams will advance to the knockout stage. Eight of these will automatically reach the round of 16.

Can Ajax still qualify for the Champions League knockout stage?

While mathematically possible, Ajax currently has no points and faces a highly unlikely scenario to qualify for the top 24.

Home / Sports / Champions League Knockout Race Heats Up

Champions League Knockout Race Heats Up

10 Dec

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Summary

Top 24 teams advance from the 36-team league phase.
Eight teams secure immediate passage to the round of 16.
Arsenal and Bayern Munich have secured spots in the knockout rounds.

As the Champions League league phase approaches its decisive final matchday, the race for knockout stage qualification intensifies. A total of 36 teams are competing, with the top 24 finishers earning progression. The leading eight teams will automatically advance to the round of 16, while those ranked ninth to 24th will enter a playoff round.

So far, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have guaranteed their spots in the elimination phase. Arsenal achieved a perfect start, and despite conceding their first goal, secured their advancement. Bayern Munich also demonstrated resilience, securing vital wins to bolster their position in the standings.

While some clubs celebrate early qualification, others face elimination. Ajax, currently without points, could theoretically still advance but face an unlikely path. Several other teams, including Kairat and Olympiacos, are in similar precarious positions, with their hopes of reaching the top 24 diminishing.