The UEFA coefficient is a bit like a goldmine for the various leagues. Clubs in each country must perform well to maintain their top rankings. France has struggled in Europe several times, but managed to climb to 5th place at the end of the 2023-2024 season, thus securing seven European qualification spots (four for the Champions League, including three direct qualification spots, two for the Europa League, and one for the Europa Conference League). The objective was to at least maintain this ranking at the end of the 2025-2026 season, or even catch up with Germany. The results this week are positive, even if Nice is struggling to shake off its current slump.
UEFA coefficient by country (over the last five seasons, including the current one).
Source: UEFA official website.
Indeed, it’s worth noting that France had a very successful week: PSG (5-3 against Tottenham), Marseille (2-1 against Newcastle), Strasbourg (2-1 against Crystal Palace), Lille (4-0 against Dynamo Zagreb), and Lyon (6-0 against Maccabi Tel Aviv) all managed to secure victories. Monaco disappointed against Paphos (2-2), while Nice suffered another setback against Porto (3-0), leaving them in last place. At least PSG, Lyon, and Strasbourg are respectively second in the Champions League, first in the Europa League, and second in the Europa Conference League, giving them hope of progressing further. Marseille, Monaco, and Lille also have a good chance of advancing.
This has allowed them to distance themselves from the Netherlands, while Germany is closing in, although it will be very difficult to overtake them this season.
