Pafos FC and Bodo/Glimt Secure Champions League Debuts
Pafos FC from Cyprus and Bodo/Glimt from Norway have officially earned their places in the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League, marking their debut appearances in Europe’s most prestigious football competition after advancing through the qualifying play-offs.
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Pafos FC: A Historic Achievement for Cyprus
Founded only 11 years ago, Pafos FC secured their place in the Champions League group stage with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Red Star Belgrade. This result gave them a 3-2 aggregate victory. Their path to the group stage started in the second qualifying round, where they triumphed over Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dynamo Kyiv.
In the decisive leg, Jaja, the Brazilian winger, scored an 89th-minute equalizer after Mirko Ivanic had given Red Star the lead. Pafos, who have recently strengthened their squad with former Chelsea and Arsenal defender David Luiz, will become only the third club from Cyprus to compete in the Champions League, joining Apoel and Anorthosis Famagusta.
Bodo/Glimt: Norway’s First Champions League Appearance Since 2008
Bodo/Glimt, a four-time Norwegian champion, also secured their spot in the group stage with a 6-2 aggregate win over Sturm Graz. Despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg, the Norwegian club’s solid performance in the first leg ensured they advanced.
Located 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, Bodo/Glimt made history as the first Norwegian club to reach the Champions League group stage since Rosenborg in the 2007-08 season. Known for their impressive Europa League run last season, where they reached the semi-finals, Bodo/Glimt will now showcase their talents on Europe’s biggest stage.
Kairat Almaty: Kazakhstan’s Second Champions League Qualifier
Joining Pafos FC and Bodo/Glimt in making their Champions League debut is Kairat Almaty from Kazakhstan. Kairat made a stunning penalty shootout victory over Celtic after drawing both legs 0-0. This marks Kairat’s second-ever qualification for the Champions League, following Astana's qualification in the 2015-16 season.
The team from Kazakhstan is known for its challenging home fixtures, with European clubs facing the difficult journey to Almaty in Central Asia. Chelsea made a 3,600-mile trip to Astana last season in the UEFA Conference League.
The Road Ahead: Champions League Draw and Group Stage
The draw for the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League group stage will take place in Monaco on Thursday, with the first matchday scheduled between 16 and 18 September 2025. The addition of these debutant teams will bring exciting and unpredictable moments to Europe’s elite club competition, showcasing the growth of football in countries like Cyprus, Norway, and Kazakhstan.
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