Which countries currently top the European performance race

By Martin Graham

UEFA’s reform for the 2024-25 campaign increased the Champions League field from 32 to 36 clubs, introducing two extra qualification positions. These berths go to nations whose teams collectively produce the strongest results across the three European tournaments during the season before.

Federations pick up two points for every triumph and one for any tie in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. Progress in each competition brings extra rewards, with the Champions League offering the biggest bonuses. Results gathered during the qualifying stages count for half.

The total is then divided by the number of clubs each nation entered at the start of the season. England, for example, began this term with nine participants, meaning all points earned across Europe are split by nine.

Last year, Spain and England earned the two available places, which allowed Newcastle and Athletic Club to qualify directly. The season before, Italy and Germany claimed the spots, with Bologna and Borussia Dortmund advancing as a result.

Latest movement in the standings

England widened their gap at the top of the table on Wednesday thanks to Arsenal’s victory over Bayern Munich. Despite two defeats for the other English sides involved that night, the win added enough to push them close to a full point ahead of Germany.

German clubs did not collect anything on Wednesday, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s 3-0 defeat to Atalanta adding to a disappointing evening. That result boosted Italy’s push, while Spain caught Italy on the same total following Atletico Madrid’s success against Inter Milan and Real Madrid’s triumph away to Olympiakos.

Sporting CP’s win against Club Brugge helped Portugal stay in fifth. Cyprus held their place in sixth after Pafos turned around their meeting with Monaco to finish level.

Positions seven to ten

Copenhagen’s win over Kairat Almaty allowed Denmark to jump up to seventh. Poland, which held the spot previously, dropped to eighth as a consequence.

France maintained ninth place. Paris St-Germain’s win against Tottenham and Monaco’s draw in Cyprus ensured they did not lose ground. Belgium stayed in tenth, with three of their five starting clubs still involved.

Current top 10 in the race for 2026-27 European Performance Spots

England — 10.388 (9/9 clubs still active)
Germany — 9.428 (7/7 clubs still active)
Italy — 9.000 (7/7 clubs still active)
Spain — 9.000 (8/8 clubs still active)
Portugal — 8.800 (4/5 clubs still active)
Cyprus — 8.500 (3/4 clubs still active)
Denmark — 8.125 (2/4 clubs still active)
Poland — 7.875 (4/4 clubs still active)
France — 7.357 (7/7 clubs still active)
Belgium — 6.500 (3/5 clubs still active)