England is guaranteed five teams in the 2025/26 Champions League group stage after topping UEFA nation coefficient rankings. With Arsenal, Aston Villa, Man Utd, Tottenham, and Chelsea still in Europe, Italy can no longer surpass England. A record sixth English team could qualify if Man Utd or Spurs win the Europa League.
When it comes to Champions League qualification for 2025/26, the Premier League is already guaranteed at least five spots, thanks to England’s dominant performance in UEFA’s nation coefficient rankings. According to new analysis by *Sky Sports*, England currently sits first in the 2024/25 rankings, ahead of Spain and Italy. The top two nations in these rankings are awarded an extra group-stage place under UEFA’s new format.
This season, five English clubs, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Chelsea are still active in European competitions, more than any other country. Despite Italy having three teams still competing across the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, Arsenal’s recent victory over Real Madrid has sealed England’s advantage. Even if Inter, Lazio, and Fiorentina win their respective tournaments, it won’t be enough to surpass England’s coefficient score.
The coefficient system rewards clubs for wins, draws, and progression in European tournaments, with bonus points for advancing to knockout stages. Interestingly, even if English clubs don’t win another match this season, England has already done enough to secure one of the two extra slots.
There’s even a chance for a sixth English team if Man Utd or Spurs win the Europa League and qualify through that route, a scenario in Champions League history.
