France is giving itself a little breathing space in 5th place in the UEFA index at the end of a week completed with a positive record of four victories for three defeats in the three European Cups. Tuesday, however, had led to fears of the worst and a dangerous rapprochement between Portugal, after the victory of Sporting CP in Lens (0-2). A defeat all the more painful as it was the only Franco-Portuguese confrontation in the group stages this season. The slap received on the Arsenal pitch (3-0) by LOSC did nothing to improve the financial and moral record of the French troops. But the sky cleared considerably on Wednesday with the very good performance of PSG, author of a real demonstration on the pitch of Manchester City (2-4).
A positive dynamic perfectly relayed on Thursday in the Europa League: OL defeated Crystal Palace (3-2) at the end of a spectacular match, while Stade Rennais scared themselves at Roazhon Park but ultimately managed to overthrow OFI Crete (2-1). In the Conference League, AS Monaco also brought back a valuable success from their trip to Sofia (1-2) thanks to a good Paris Brunner. The only real downside this weekend: the new setback for Olympique de Marseille at the Vélodrome against Olympiakos (0-1). A hitch which slightly tarnishes the weekly balance sheet, but without too much damage on an accounting level. At the same time, the five Portuguese clubs involved posted an overall negative record: two victories (Sporting in C1 and Benfica in C3) for three defeats (Porto in C1, Torreense in C3 and Braga in C4). As a result, in the current season, France is slightly gaining on Portugal and entering the top 10 for the first time this season, tied with Italy.
Portugal kept at bay
Thanks to these good results, France posted a total of 70.296 points this Friday, or 3.746 points ahead of Portugal (66.550), its main pursuer. The French margin, however, remains meager after having been considerably reduced this summer. The calculation of the UEFA index being smoothed over the last five seasons, France lost the benefit of its fruitful 2021-2022 financial year (where it had earned 18,416 points, compared to 12,916 for Portuguese clubs). Direct consequence: the abysmal lead of 10,332 points melted away last summer, and in the current season alone, Portugal is still in better overall form (6,300 points compared to 5,214 for France).
The stakes of this mano a mano are colossal for the future of our clubs. With these 3,746 points in advance, Ligue 1 clings to its 5th place, synonymous with 7 European folding seats for the 2028-2029 season (including 3 direct qualifiers for the Champions League and one club in the 3rd preliminary round). If France were to fall to 6th place, it would lose a representative in the queen of competitions. However, supporters can rest assured for the near future: for the 2027-2028 financial year, France is already assured of having its 7 representatives on the European scene. The dynamic is relaunched, all that remains is to confirm it.
Ranking of nations by UEFA coefficient for the 2026/27 season (In parentheses, the number of clubs remaining in competition and the number of clubs qualified this season. Ended on 10/16/2026)
-1. England 6,611 points (9/9)
-2. Portugal 6,300 points (5/5)
-3. Norway 6,200 points (4/5)
-4. Germany 6,142 points (7/7)
-5. Spain 6.125 points (8/8)
-6. Türkiye 5,900 points (4/5)
-7. Azerbaijan 5,625 points (1/4)
-8. Greece 5,400 points (3/5)
-9. Italy 5,214 points (7/7)
-10. France 5,214 points (7/7)
…
-12. Netherlands 5,000 points (6/6)
Ranking of nations by UEFA coefficient over the last five seasons (between 2022 and 2027):
-1. England 105,130 points
-2. Italy 89,446 points
-3. Spain 84,743 points
-4. Germany 82,830 points
-5. France 70,296 points
-6. Portugal 66,550 points
-7. Belgium 60,850 points
-8. Netherlands 53,729 points
-9. Türkiye 51.075 points
-10. Poland 45,525 points
