Seventy-seven teams have progressed to the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League since its inception in the 1992-93 season. This significant number highlights the diverse range of clubs that have competed at the highest level of European club football. The figure encompasses all teams that have advanced beyond the group stage of Europe's premier club competition.
The tournament, which evolved from the European Cup, has undergone various format changes over the decades. These adjustments include an expansion in the overall number of participating teams and the introduction of play-off rounds. For the current 2025-26 season, 24 teams qualify for the knockout phase. Eight of these sides advance directly to the round of 16, while 16 others enter play-off rounds to determine further progression.
