UWCL

Power Rankings: Which Teams Will Dominate the 2025–26 UEFA Women's Champions League?

The UEFA Women's Champions League makes its comeback this week. Europe's top club tournament has undergone a format transformation for 2025–26 and will now replicate the men's competition by adopting the "Swiss" league format.

Beyond transitioning from smaller groups to one comprehensive league table, the UWCL has also grown from 16 teams to 18.

Two clubs are embarking on their inaugural UWCL proper campaigns: OH Leuven, representing the Belgian Women's Super League, and Manchester United, from the English Women's Super League.

The current title holders are Arsenal, who experienced a storybook conclusion to the 2024–25 season by defeating powerhouse FC Barcelona, 1–0, in the final as the Spanish club was pursuing a third straight UWCL championship.

OL Lyonnes stands as the tournament's most accomplished team in history, claiming eight trophies between 2010 and 2022.

Here are Sports Illustrated's UWCL Power Rankings before Matchday 1.

UEFA Women's Champions League Power Rankings

18. Leuven
17. St. Pölten
16. Vålerenga
15. FC Twente
14. Benfica
13. Juventus
12. AS Roma
11. Real Madrid

Kansas City Current defender Ellie Wheeler and midfielder Lo'eau LaBonta compete for the ball against Luany.

10. Atlético Madrid

Following a third-place finish in Spain's Liga F last campaign, Atlético Madrid have begun the new season without defeat (4-0-2) and have already secured local supremacy by defeating Real Madrid, 2–1. Brazilian creative midfielder Luany serves as the team's catalyst with two goals and three assists. An intriguing squad worth monitoring.

9. Paris Saint-Germain

This marks a comeback to the UWCL after falling in the qualifiers to Juventus last campaign. It has been a challenging beginning for new manager Paulo César. Two weeks prior, Paris Saint-Germain suffered a devastating 6–1 defeat to rivals OL Lyonnes. Despite possessing a roster filled with prominent names, doubts remain about this team's position among Europe's elite.

8. Paris FC

Another French club that was absent last season but returns to the UWCL with aspirations of surprising some of the more established teams. Sandrine Soubeyrand ranks among Europe's most experienced managers, having assumed control in 2018. Simply stated, the squad is a cohesive unit that exceeds the value of its individual components. Striker Clara Mateo led the French Première Ligue in scoring last year with 18 goals and earned a Ballon d'Or nomination.

7. Wolfsburg

The two-time champions are attempting to reignite some former glory this season. Stephan Lerch assumed leadership this summer after Tommy Stroot departed following four seasons in charge. However, Lerch previously managed Wolfsberg from 2017–21, reaching the UWCL final twice during that period. Germany's Janina Minge is in her second campaign with Wolfsburg and represents a formidable presence to observe in midfield battles.

Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce distributes the ball

6. Manchester United

After unsuccessful qualification attempts in 2023, this will mark Manchester United's first journey into the UWCL proper. Manager Mark Skinner has faced criticism from supporters since taking charge in '21, but the Red Devils have gradually developed into a competent if conservative possession-based team. U.S. women's national team goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce continues to be among the most challenging keepers to score against in Europe, if not globally.

5. Bayern Munich

New manager José Barcala represented a somewhat unexpected appointment in the summer, joining from Swiss club Servette. Nevertheless, Bayern Munich have controlled the early stages of the Frauen-Bundesliga and remain without conceding after five weeks. Player to watch: 24-year-old German winger Klara Bühl is nearing her prime and will aim to create memorable moments in this year's tournament.

4. Arsenal

The beginning of the new season has served as a reality check for Arsenal, who started the campaign with heightened expectations after capturing last year's UWCL, the club's first European trophy since 2007. However, the Gunners have struggled to win three straight matches in the WSL, currently sitting fifth. Record signing Olivia Smith will participate in her inaugural UWCL campaign and promises to be among the most captivating players to follow.

3. Barcelona

After being blanked by Arsenal in last year's final, debates have emerged about Europe's most dominant team of the past five years potentially losing its stranglehold. The expectations are exceptionally high regarding Barcelona, and concerns over squad depth reduction due to financial constraints are raising additional red flags. Nevertheless, this remains a team featuring an unmatched midfield trio in Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, and Patri Guijarro.

FC Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati controls the ball

2. OL Lyonnes

Excitement and curiosity surround the most successful team in UWCL history as former Barcelona and Washington Spirit manager Jonatan Giráldez takes control in Lyon. The high-spending French champions possess one of the tournament's deepest rosters this year and appear positioned for an extended campaign. Haitian striker Melchie Dumornay was Lyon's standout performer last season and should only enhance her reputation in 2025–26

1. Chelsea

In England, Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has enjoyed a flawless beginning. An unbeaten championship-winning inaugural WSL season is being followed by an equally impressive start to the new domestic campaign. Despite injury concerns, the club features numerous stars and invested over $1 million in USWNT talent Alyssa Thompson during the recent transfer window. The humiliation of comprehensive defeats home and away to Barcelona will persist, but few teams possess the depth and stability available to Chelsea, particularly with Sam Kerr returning after a two-year absence.