Manchester United have to navigate an unusual qualification process to reach the main draw of the Women's Champions League. The tournament has a new format after Uefa expanded the group stage of the competition from 16 to 18 teams for 2025-26. Chelsea qualified directly by winning the Women's Super League, while Arsenal qualified by triumphing in the Women's Champions League. Manchester United however have to qualify for the competition after finishing behind Chelsea and Arsenal in the league last season.
Sheriff Tiraspol have made an almost flawless start to the season, collecting 13 points from a possible 15 in the Super Liga to sit top of the table, while also easing past Prishtina in Europe with a 5-2 aggregate win.