The UEFA coefficient is a bit like a goldmine for the various leagues. Clubs in each country must perform well to maintain their top positions. 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. This week’s results are excellent.
The top 10 in the UEFA coefficient by country (over the last five seasons, including the current one).
Source: UEFA official website.
Indeed, France has had a successful and decisive week. In the Champions League, PSG secured a comfortable 2-0 victory against Liverpool, guaranteeing their place in the semi-finals (April 28th and 6th against Bayern Munich). Their record in the Europa League is nonexistent, as no French club remains in the competition. In the Conference Europa League, Strasbourg staged a remarkable comeback against Mainz, winning 4-0 after a 2-0 defeat the previous week. Strasbourg will face Rayo Vallecano in the semi-finals.
As for their rivals, Germany (4th in the UEFA coefficient rankings) saw Bayern Munich and Freiburg qualify for the Champions League and Europa League semi-finals, while Mainz were eliminated by Strasbourg in the Europa League.
Portugal (6th) retained Braga in the Europa League (having eliminated Real Betis), while FC Porto were eliminated by Nottingham Forest in the Conference Europa League. There is still an opportunity for France to gain valuable points.
