December 20 – UEFA has named its newly launched second-tier women’s club tournament the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup.
Kicking off in the 2025/26 season, the landmark competition offers new opportunities for clubs to battle it out on the continental stage.
UEFA wanted a title that fans would instantly recognise and connect with so opted to draw on the established reputation of the men’s UEFA Europa League – ‘Europa’ signals the competition’s second-tier status in European football. Adding ‘Cup’ puts a spotlight on the tournament’s pure knockout format—a format UEFA say is “primed for drama and unpredictability’’.
Competition’s branding and its new trophy will be revealed in 2025.
The UEFA Women’s Europa Cup will be played across six thrilling rounds: two qualifying rounds, the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a two-legged final to decide the champion.
Thirteen teams will be handed direct entry: third-placed league finishers from nations ranked 8-13 and runners-up from associations ranked 18-24. The tournament will also welcome clubs eliminated from the Women’s Champions League third qualifying round and some runners-up and third-placed teams from the Champions League’s second qualifying round.
The Europa Cup guarantees a spot in the third qualifying round of the champions path for the following season’s Women’s Champions League.
The Women’s Champions League is also getting a facelift, switching to an 18-team single-league format from next season.
By introducing the Women’s Europa Cup and revamping its flagship competition, UEFA is reinforcing a bold its commitment to the women’s game making the point that this isn’t just about expansion but about transformation. With more teams, more opportunities, and more drama, UEFA is setting the stage for women’s football to reach new heights.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734706882labto1734706882ofdlr1734706882owedi1734706882sni@g1734706882niwe.1734706882yrrah1734706882
