How Premier League teams reach Champions League and Europa
The Premier League (PL) is one of the most competitive football leagues in the world. Every season, the battle for a top-four finish heats up as clubs aim for a spot in European matches. Entering the UEFA Champions League (UCL) or UEFA Europa League (UEL) is a huge triumph. It brings not only prestige but also the chance to attract top players who can help clubs grow.
Understanding how teams qualify for these tournaments is essential for fans and clubs alike. Learn here how PL teams can secure their places in these esteemed tournaments.
What are the European competitions?
The UCL and the UEL are two of the most popular football tournaments worldwide. They’re held yearly, uniting the best clubs from across Europe.
- UEFA Champions League (UCL): The top clubs from every major European league, including the English Premier League and La Liga, compete for the title of the best team in Europe. They’re both considered elite in the football scene.
- UEFA Europa League (UEL): Teams that don’t make it into the UCL but perform well can qualify for the UEL. Winning this competition also guarantees a spot in the next season’s Champions League, making it a crucial goal for many teams.
In the 2025-26 season, up to 11 PL clubs could make it to Europe. This would happen if English clubs win all three European tournaments and finish outside the usual qualifying spots. It includes the top four teams for the UCL, two for the UEL, and one for the Conference League (UECL).
Premier League teams with the most UCL wins
The number of spots for English teams in the UCL has changed over time due to their fantastic performances. As English clubs kept winning in Europe, UEFA gave the PL more spots. This increase shows the league’s strength and influence in global football.
Here are some of the clubs with the most UCL wins:
- Liverpool: Liverpool has a strong European legacy, having won the UCL six times. Their recent games keep them in the race for the title, making them a tough team in Europe.
- Manchester United: Manchester United has won the UCL three times. Their long history of success in English and European football makes them one of the tournament's most successful clubs.
- Chelsea: Chelsea has claimed the UCL title twice. Their consistent performances make them regular candidates in both domestic and European matches.
How teams qualify for the UCL (Season 25/26)
PL teams must compete in a tough race to reach the UCL for the 2025-26 season. The process is crucial for clubs that want to show their skills on the European stage.
Here’s how teams can qualify:
- Top 4 PL clubs: Finishing in 1st to 4th place is key for clubs aiming for a spot in the UCL.
- Potential for a 5th spot: The PL could get an extra spot if English teams perform well in European competitions.
- Domestic cup winners: If the FA Cup or Carabao Cup winner has already qualified for the UCL via other means, their UEL or UECL spot goes to the next highest PL finisher who hasn’t qualified.
How teams enter the UEL (Season 25/26)
Premier League teams can earn spots through league positions or cup performances to qualify for the UEL.
Here’s how they can make it:
- Spots from the PL: The PL has two spots in the UEL—one for the 5th-place finisher, and the other goes to the FA Cup winner.
- Role of FA Cup winners: If the FA Cup winner has already qualified for the UCL, their UEL spot goes to the next highest finisher.
- Dropped teams: Teams that don't make it past the UCL group stage can fall into the UEL, giving other clubs a chance to compete in Europe.
How do the current PL standings affect European spots
The PL season is heating up, with 20 teams fighting for a spot in European tournaments. As the season goes on, the standings are crucial in deciding which teams will represent England next year.
Here are the top 11 teams as of writing:
| Team | Matches played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points |
| Liverpool | 31 | 22 | 7 | 2 | 73 |
| Arsenal | 31 | 17 | 11 | 3 | 62 |
| Nottingham Forest | 31 | 17 | 6 | 8 | 57 |
| Chelsea | 31 | 15 | 8 | 8 | 53 |
| Newcastle United | 30 | 16 | 5 | 9 | 53 |
| Manchester City | 31 | 15 | 7 | 9 | 52 |
| Aston Villa | 31 | 14 | 9 | 8 | 51 |
| Fulham F.C. | 31 | 13 | 9 | 9 | 48 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 31 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 47 |
| A.F.C. Bournemouth | 31 | 12 | 9 | 10 | 45 |
| Crystal Palace | 30 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 43 |
Liverpool and Arsenal are in a strong position to secure a UCL spot. However, the bottom three teams—Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton—face a tough challenge to qualify for Europe.
Potential surprises and shifts in the race for Europe
The PL season is far from over, but the competition for European spots is already intense. Several factors can change the standings, including:
- Late season performances: Some teams improve their form in the final weeks, which can change their position.
- Unexpected wins: Smaller teams can surprise the big clubs with wins, shaking up the standings and giving them a chance for a European spot.
- Pressure and fatigue: Teams fighting to stay in the race for Europe feel the pressure to perform. A busy schedule can also tire players out, affecting their results.
What’s next for the Premier League teams in the European race?
The race for European spots is far from over. Teams must finish in the top positions or perform well in domestic cups to secure places in the UCL or UEL. With the season still unfolding, expect ample surprises and changes in the standings.