Champions League 2025-26: Four Newcomers Set to Make History

Cypriot and Norwegian Clubs Break Into Champions League Fold

Two teams from the UEFA Champions League qualifiers have secured their spots in the 2025-26 season, marking a historic milestone for their nations. Pafos FC of Cyprus and Norway’s Bodo/Glimt advanced through the play-offs, while Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan and Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise will make their debut in the group stage. This development adds fresh excitement to the competition, as these clubs prepare to face Europe’s elite.

Pafos FC’s Late Drama Seals Cypriot Triumph

Pafos FC, founded just 11 years ago, clinched a dramatic 1-1 draw against Red Star Belgrade in their second-leg qualifying match, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory. The Cypriot champions, who recently signed veteran defender David Luiz, became only the third team from their country to reach the Champions League, following in the footsteps of Apoel and Anorthosis Famagusta. Their journey included notable wins over Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dynamo Kyiv in earlier rounds.

Bodo/Glimt’s Resilient Campaign Earns European Podium Spot

Bodo/Glimt, Norway’s four-time league champions, showcased their tenacity by overcoming Austrian side Sturm Graz with a 6-2 aggregate score, despite losing the second leg 2-1. Located 200km north of the Arctic Circle, the club’s Aspmyra Stadion—a 8,270-capacity venue—will host their debut matches. This marks the first time a Norwegian team has reached the Champions League group stage since Rosenborg in the 2007-08 season, following their Europa League semi-final appearance last year, where they fell to Tottenham.

Kairat Almaty’s Penalty Shootout Victory Shocks Celtic

Kairat Almaty, representing Kazakhstan, stunned Scottish giants Celtic by advancing via a penalty shootout after two goalless draws. The Central Asian side will become the second Kazakh club in Champions League history, joining Astana, who qualified in the 2015-16 campaign. Their geographical remoteness poses a logistical challenge for European opponents, as seen when Chelsea traveled 3,600 miles to face Astana in the Uefa Conference League last season.

Union Saint-Gilloise’s Belgian Dream Takes Flight

Belgium’s newly crowned champions, Union Saint-Gilloise, will make their debut in the competition’s elite phase. The club’s inclusion highlights the growing strength of Belgian football, with their first-ever Champions League campaign set to begin in September. The draw for the group stage will occur in Monaco this Thursday, with the opening fixtures scheduled for 16-18 September.

As these newcomers prepare for the league phase, fans across Europe are eager to witness their performances against established powerhouses. The expanded pool of teams promises an unpredictable and thrilling season ahead.