The Future of English Teams in European Competitions
The possibility of 11 Premier League teams qualifying for European competitions next season may have been dimmed by Liverpool’s recent elimination from the Champions League. However, it is still possible for 10 clubs to make the cut. England currently has four teams active in European competitions and is guaranteed to have a representative in the final of the Europa League. The outcome of these tournaments, along with league positions, will ultimately determine how many English teams can qualify.
Qualifying for European competition has become increasingly complex over the past few seasons, largely due to the introduction of Uefa’s European Performance Spots (EPS). These are additional places in the Champions League given to the two leagues with the best overall records each season. The Premier League has secured one of the two EPS berths for the 2026-27 season, while the second will go to either La Liga or the Bundesliga. This means at least eight English teams will be in Europe next season.
But what happens if an English team wins a European trophy? Could this lead to six teams in the Champions League again? And how does the Premier League reach 10 teams in Europe?
How European Qualification Works
The logic behind the EPS is straightforward, but other factors complicate the process. The EPS is applied after all other considerations regarding domestic and European cup winners. It always provides one additional place to the overall allocation. Before securing the EPS, England was set to have seven teams in Europe, but now it will have at least eight.
Currently, the following teams are in contention for European spots:
- The team finishing fifth will go into the Champions League
- The team finishing sixth will go into the Europa League
- The team finishing seventh will go into the Conference League
The race for fifth place is tight, with Liverpool currently leading on 52 points. They are three points behind Manchester United and Aston Villa, who are in third and fourth respectively. However, Liverpool could falter, as just six points separate them from 10th-placed Sunderland with six games left to play.
Other teams like Chelsea (48), Brentford (47), Everton (47), Brighton (46), Sunderland (46), and Bournemouth (45) are also in the mix. Fulham (44), Crystal Palace (42), and Newcastle (42) could also challenge for European qualification.
What Happens If Arsenal Wins the Champions League?
Arsenal is expected to finish in the top four of the Premier League, so their potential Champions League win would not impact the allocation. The place reserved for the Champions League titleholders would pass to the league champions with the best Uefa coefficient, likely Rangers if they win the Scottish Premiership.
For the Premier League to get a sixth Champions League spot via this route, Arsenal would need to finish outside the top four. They face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, which could change things.
What If Aston Villa or Nottingham Forest Win the Europa League?
If Aston Villa or Nottingham Forest win the Europa League, they will qualify for the Champions League. Villa will meet Forest in the last four, meaning one Premier League team will make the final.
If Villa wins the Europa League and finishes in the top four, nothing changes for England’s European spots. There would still be five teams in the Champions League and eight in Europe. However, if Villa finishes outside the top four, the Premier League could have six teams in the Champions League:
- The top four
- Villa as Europa League winners
- The EPS
- Villa’s position determines the total number of European spots.
If Villa finishes fifth, the EPS passes to the sixth-placed team, and the Premier League gives up the Europa League place. If Villa finishes sixth, the Conference League place is forfeited instead.
What If Crystal Palace Win the Conference League?
Crystal Palace will face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League semi-finals. If they win, they will qualify for the Europa League. Given their current position, it is unlikely they will qualify domestically, so they would take up an extra place in the Europa League. This would mean the Premier League has at least nine clubs in Europe.
If both Palace and Forest win their respective European trophies, it would guarantee 10 English teams in Europe.
How the FA Cup Impacts the Places
The outcome of the FA Cup will also affect the European qualification. If Manchester City win, the European places will drop down one. If Chelsea win, they need to finish inside the top seven for the Conference League spot to transfer to eighth. If Southampton or Leeds win, there will be no change for other teams.
With many teams in contention for fifth place and various permutations about how far down the European places could go, the battle promises to be fascinating.
The Maximum Number of Clubs for Next Season
The maximum number of English clubs in Europe next season is 10, provided that English teams win all three European competitions and finish outside the qualifying domestic league positions. This scenario is highly unlikely, but it highlights the complexity of the current system.
As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see how these factors unfold and which teams will secure their spots in European competitions.
