UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round Results and Play-Off Fixtures Confirmed.The UEFA Champions League third qualifying round is complete, with the final seven play-off ties now confirmed. The second legs were played on 11 August 2026, deciding which clubs moved one step closer to the league phase of the 2026/27 competition.
The play-off draw took place on 3 August, before the third qualifying-round ties were completed. The winners of the seven two-legged play-off ties will join the 29 automatic qualifiers in the 36-team UEFA Champions League league phase.
UEFA Champions League third qualifying round: second-leg results
Champions Path
| Tie | Second-leg result | Aggregate result | Team through |
| Kairat Almaty vs Levski Sofia | Kairat Almaty 0-1 Levski Sofia | 0-2 | Levski Sofia |
| Sabah vs Aarhus | Sabah 4-0 Aarhus | 5-2 | Sabah |
| Kauno Žalgiris vs GNK Dinamo | Kauno Žalgiris 1-2 GNK Dinamo | 1-7 | GNK Dinamo |
| Crvena Zvezda vs Hapoel Beer-Sheva | Crvena Zvezda 0-2 Hapoel Beer-Sheva | 0-3 | Hapoel Beer-Sheva |
| Slovan Bratislava vs Mjällby | Slovan Bratislava 2-0 Mjällby | 4-1 | Slovan Bratislava |
| Celje vs Ararat-Armenia | Celje 2-0 Ararat-Armenia | 3-2 | Celje |
League Path
| Tie | Second-leg result | Aggregate result | Team through |
| Bodø/Glimt vs Union Saint-Gilloise | Bodø/Glimt 3-2 Union Saint-Gilloise after extra time | 6-5 | Bodø/Glimt |
| N.E.C. vs Olympiacos | N.E.C. 2-1 Olympiacos after extra time | 2-1 | N.E.C. |
| Sturm Graz vs Fenerbahçe | Sturm Graz 0-1 Fenerbahçe | 0-3 | Fenerbahçe |
| Lyon vs Sparta Praha | Lyon 3-0 Sparta Praha | 4-2 | Lyon |
READ ALSO : 2026/27 UEFA Champions League: Qualified teams, format, key dates and teams to watch
Champions League play-off round fixtures
The play-off round is the final stage before the UEFA Champions League league phase. First legs are scheduled for 18 and 19 August, with return matches on 25 and 26 August 2026.
Champions Path
| First leg | Second leg |
| Levski Sofia vs AEK Athens | AEK Athens vs Levski Sofia |
| GNK Dinamo vs Viking | Viking vs GNK Dinamo |
| Hapoel Beer-Sheva vs Sabah | Sabah vs Hapoel Beer-Sheva |
| Celtic vs LASK | LASK vs Celtic |
| Slovan Bratislava vs Celje | Celje vs Slovan Bratislava |
League Path
| First leg | Second leg |
| Fenerbahçe vs Lyon | Lyon vs Fenerbahçe |
| N.E.C. vs Bodø/Glimt | Bodø/Glimt vs N.E.C. |
What happens after the play-offs?
The seven play-off winners will qualify for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase. They will join 29 clubs that have already qualified directly.
The league-phase draw is scheduled for 27 August 2026. Under the current format, the league phase includes 36 teams, with every club playing eight matches.
READ ALSO: Europa League third qualifying round: Second leg results and play-off draw set
FAQs
When are the UEFA Champions League play-off matches?
The first legs are on 18 and 19 August 2026. The second legs are on 25 and 26 August 2026.
Did Bodø/Glimt qualify for the play-offs?
Yes. Bodø/Glimt defeated Union Saint-Gilloise 6-5 on aggregate after extra time in the second leg.
Who will Fenerbahçe play in the Champions League play-offs?
Fenerbahçe will face Lyon in the League Path play-offs.
Do play-off winners reach the group stage?
No. UEFA no longer uses the old group-stage format. The play-off winners advance to the 36-team league phase.
When is the 2026/27 Champions League league-phase draw?
The league-phase draw is scheduled for 27 August 2026.
Conclusion
The third qualifying round has set up seven decisive Champions League play-off ties. Levski Sofia, GNK Dinamo, Hapoel Beer-Sheva, Celtic, Slovan Bratislava, Celje, Fenerbahçe, Lyon, N.E.C. and Bodø/Glimt are among the clubs still chasing a place in the league phase. SportPesa will continue to follow confirmed UEFA Champions League fixtures, results and draw updates throughout the season.
