Chelsea will face Real Sociedad in the third qualifying round of the Women’s Champions League, with the winner over two legs securing a place in the 2026-27 league phase. That matters because it is the first time in six years the Blues have had to negotiate a qualifying round at all, having previously earned automatic entry through six straight WSL titles. The financial stakes are considerable: league phase clubs are guaranteed a minimum of €505,000, plus €60,000 for every fixture won and €20,000 per draw, with further prize money ranging from €10,000 to €180,000 depending on final league standing. Whoever wins the nine ties joins Barcelona, Lyon, Arsenal, Man City and the rest of the pre-qualified field, with the full league phase draw following on 4 September. Losing sides do not disappear from Europe entirely, dropping instead into the second qualifying round of the Women’s Europa Cup in late September.