The conclusion of the 2025-26 UEFA Women’s Champions League promises to be thrilling, with all 18 teams set to compete in nine simultaneous matches on Wednesday, ultimately revealing the final rankings. The inaugural season has already showcased intense moments, signaling the start of an exciting new chapter in women’s football. Out of the 18 teams, only 10 will move on, with several scenarios still in play. Matchday 6 is particularly crucial as it will decide four quarter-final berths and two playoff spots for the knockout stage.
Powerhouses OL Lyon and FC Barcelona are among the clubs advancing, alongside reigning champions Arsenal. As for the remaining positions, Atletico Madrid and OH Leuven currently hold the last two spots.
Here’s an overview of how to tune into the final matches.
Round 6 Schedule
Wednesday, December 17th
All times Eastern
- Juventus vs. Real Madrid, 3 PM on Paramount+
- PSG vs. Benfica, 3 PM on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network
- Roma vs. St. Polten, 3 PM on Paramount+
- Bayern vs. Valerenga, 3 PM on Paramount+
- FC Twente vs. Real Madrid, 3 PM on Paramount+
- OH Leuven vs. Arsenal, 3 PM on Paramount+
- Paris FC vs. Barcelona, 3 PM on Paramount+
- Lyon vs. Atletico Madrid, 3 PM on Paramount+
- Wolfsburg vs. Chelsea, 3 PM on Paramount+
Standings Table
The top four teams will advance directly to the quarter-finals, while teams finishing 5th to 12th will progress to the playoffs for the knockout phase.
- Barcelona – 13 points (+15 GD)
- Lyon – 13 points (+9 GD)
- Chelsea – 11 points (+16 GD)
- Juventus – 10 points (+6 GD)
- Real Madrid – 10 points (+6 GD)
- Bayern Munich – 10 points (-2 GD)
- Wolfsburg – 9 points (+4 GD)
- Arsenal – 9 points (+2 GD)
- Manchester United – 9 points (-3 GD)
- Paris FC – 8 points (-1 GD)
- Atletico Madrid – 7 points (+8 GD)
- OH Leuven – 6 points (-2 GD)
- Valerenga – 4 points (-2 GD)
- FC Twente – 2 points (-6 GD)
- Benfica – 1 point (-7 GD)
- PSG – 1 point (-8 GD)
- Roma – 1 point (-15 GD)
- St. Polten – 1 point (-20 GD)
Who Will Make the Top Four?
A top-four finish is highly coveted as it guarantees a direct spot in the quarter-finals, eliminating the need for a playoff. The competition remains fierce, with nothing yet decided for the quarter-final places.
FC Barcelona sits atop the league table, closely followed by OL Lyon. Both clubs, tied on points, aim for a spot in the quarter-finals with goal difference as the deciding factor.
In addition to these two, a number of teams—including Chelsea, Juventus, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg, and Arsenal—are vying for the remaining quarter-final spots.
Winning Scenarios
In the lower half of the standings, the tussle for survival is intense. The teams placed 11th and 12th can clinch spots in the knockout phase. On the final match day, teams may find themselves in must-win situations, with the right circumstances potentially allowing them to create memorable moments in Champions League history.
Atletico Madrid is currently 11th and faces a tough challenge against the historically dominant OL Lyon. A win could secure their progression, but a defeat could spell trouble.
OH Leuven, competing in their first tournament and sitting at 12th, faces Arsenal, the reigning champions. Valerenga, in 13th, is also in a crucial situation, needing favorable outcomes to keep their hopes alive as they prepare to face Bayern Munich.
What’s Next?
Once all 12 qualifying teams are finalized, a draw for the knockout phase will take place on December 18, setting the stage for the next round. The knockout stages will kick off in February, with quarter-finals scheduled for March and the final showdown on May 23, 2026, at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, Norway.
Fan Take: This pivotal moment in the UEFA Women’s Champions League signifies the growing appeal of women’s soccer, drawing more fans and attention to the sport. The outcomes of these matches will not only determine the finalists but also shape the future of women’s football as a competitive and celebrated spectacle.
