Premier League's Chances for Extra Champions League Spot
The top five Premier League teams last season secured Champions League qualification due to the strong performance of English clubs in European competitions. For the 2025/26 Champions League, six Premier League clubs are participating, though this number could decrease to the usual four next season.
Normally, the league is allocated four spots. However, Tottenham’s victory in the Europa League granted them a place, and England’s high coefficient ranking allowed the fifth-placed team, Newcastle United, to enter as well. This coefficient remains crucial for retaining the extra Champions League spot this year.
Coefficient Ranking and its Impact
The two national leagues with the best average performances across UEFA's three club competitions earn an additional Champions League slot regardless of their standard allotment. Last season, England and Spain topped this ranking.
- Premier League clubs averaged 29.464 coefficient points.
- La Liga clubs came second with 23.982 points.
- Italy narrowly missed qualifying for the extra spot.
Points contributing to the coefficient come from results in league phases and knockout rounds. Contributions come not only from Champions League matches but also from Europa League and Conference League games, which are equally significant.
Premier League’s Recent European Success
Last season, Premier League teams dominated by having two finalists in the Europa League and one finalist in the Conference League, leading the European rankings.
"The seven Premier League clubs averaged 29.464 coefficient points, while the seven in La Liga were a distant second with 23.982."
The Premier League’s collective success in multiple European tournaments was a decisive factor in securing extra qualification spots.
Author's summary: Strong performances across Europe have earned the Premier League potential for an extra Champions League spot, but this depends heavily on maintaining a top UEFA coefficient score.