The UEFA coefficient is something of a goldmine for the various national leagues. Clubs from each country must perform well in European competitions to maintain their league’s ranking. France has struggled in Europe at times but managed to climb to fifth place by the end of the 2023–2024 season, securing seven European qualification spots (four for the Champions League—three direct—two for the Europa League, and one for the Europa Conference League). The goal is to at least maintain, if not consolidate, this ranking by the end of the 2026–2027 season, or even close the gap on fourth-placed Germany. This week’s results were disappointing.
The top 10 in the UEFA country coefficient rankings (based on the last five seasons, including the current one).
Source: Official UEFA website.
French football did not particularly shine at the start of the Europa League campaign: Olympique Lyonnais won 2–1 against Anderlecht, and Rennes drew 0–0 away at Sturm Graz, while Olympique de Marseille was thrashed 4–1 by Beşiktaş.
Portugal capitalized on these three away fixtures to narrow the gap, securing two wins from two matches: Benfica won 2–0 against AC Milan, while Torreense—a second-division club that qualified by winning the Portuguese Cup—triumphed 2–1 away at Lillestrøm. There are no excuses for the French clubs; they must improve to avoid losing a Champions League spot.
