Need to know
After a mixed week in Europe last week, Premier League clubs face crucial matches in their pursuit of progressing across the top European competitions
Arne Slot.
Arne Slot.(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Here is everything you need to know about Champions League qualification in the Premier League.
The European Performance Spot (EPS): Under UEFA’s expanded format, the two nations whose clubs perform best collectively in a single season are each awarded an extra "performance spot." For England, this would increase the Premier League’s guaranteed Champions League entries from four to five, directly rewarding the team that finishes fifth in the table.
How points are calculated: Leagues earn coefficient points based on their clubs' results across the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. Teams receive two points for a win and one for a draw, plus bonus points for progressing through knockout rounds. The total is then divided by the number of teams the country entered (nine for England).
Current standings: England is currently first in the 2025-26 coefficient rankings, followed by Spain and Germany. This lead is significant; Germany is effectively trailing by 33 total points. If these rankings hold, the Premier League will successfully secure that elusive fifth qualification spot for the upcoming 2026-27 tournament.
State of play for English clubs: While England leads, recent knockout results have been mixed. All six Champions League representatives failed to win their first-leg ties in the Round of 16. However, Arsenal and Liverpool remain favourites to advance, and Aston Villa holds a narrow lead in the Europa League, which is vital for maintaining the coefficient lead.
Potential for six teams: It is mathematically possible for the Premier League to have six teams in the Champions League. This occurs if England secures the fifth EPS spot and a Premier League club wins the Europa League but finishes outside the top five in the domestic league—a feat achieved by Tottenham in the previous season - and could be seven if Liverpool finish fifth and win the Champions League as well as Aston Villa winning the Europa League.
Watch the Champions League on TNT Sports
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