Champions League, Europa League, Conference League: what's the difference?
Aug 26, 2026 · 19:15
Three competitions, three levels, different entry rights and rewards - here is how the system fits together.
UEFA runs three club competitions that build on one another. Understanding the logic makes it far easier to follow where a club ends up and why.
Champions League
The most prestigious competition, in which the strongest leagues enter several clubs while smaller countries are typically represented by their champions via qualifying. Prize money is highest here, and it also generates the most coefficient points.
Europa League
The second tier: cup winners from bigger leagues and clubs finishing just below the Champions League places qualify, along with some of the teams eliminated from Champions League qualifying. The winner automatically earns a Champions League place for the following season - the competition's biggest prize.
Conference League
The newest competition exists so that clubs from smaller leagues can regularly reach European football. Its winner enters the Europa League the following season. For many Hungarian and regional clubs this is the realistic European stage.
The drop-down system
The most important feature is that teams eliminated in qualifying usually drop one level: a club knocked out of the Champions League continues in the Europa League, and one eliminated there moves to the Conference League. This safety net gives smaller clubs more chances - and makes a European autumn possible even after a summer setback.
Why does the league phase matter?
Reaching the group or league phase is not only about prestige but also several million euros and a guaranteed run of matches. In a smaller league, one successful European autumn can exceed a club's entire annual budget.