France already left behind in the UEFA index!

It was the great return of the most prestigious European competition. For this 1st day of the league phase in C1, the gross results of the French clubs seem rather satisfactory: PSG played against Bratislava (6-1) and RC Lens went for a precious success on the pitch of Slavia Prague (2-3). The only downside was that LOSC lost at home against Betis Sevilla (2-3). Two victories in three matches: an apparently honorable record, but which masks a not very reassuring accounting situation.

The elimination of Olympique Lyonnais during the C1 play-offs against Fenerbahce weighs heavily. By missing qualification for the league phase, OL deprived France of a points bonus equivalent to 0.87 points on the national coefficient. Result ? France is in a pitiful 14th place in the current season, stuck between Greece and Latvia when it could be level with Germany.

Portugal honks, the advance melts like snow in the sun

This start comes at the worst of times. France’s main competitor for the precious 5th place in the index ranking over 5 years, crucial for maintaining a strong contingent in the European Cup, has started with a bang. Portugal is already on the podium for the season (3rd place with 4,700 points).

The alarm sounded is all the more serious because before the start of this 2026/27 financial year, France had a comfortable cushion of 10,332 points ahead of its Lusitanian pursuer. Today, this gap has narrowed to just 3,774 ranking points over five years. The reason? The automatic erasure of the 2021-2022 season, which had been particularly prolific for French clubs. The margin for error is now almost zero.

Some reasons for hope for France

However, there remains a glimmer of hope. During this first day of C1, France did slightly better than Portugal on the field: if Sporting CP dominated Galatasaray (3-1), FC Porto fell on its lawn against Erling Haaland’s Manchester City, author of a double (0-2). The rest of the events promise to be hot. The entry into contention of OL, Rennes, OM and Monaco in the Europa League and Conference League will be crucial to garner points, especially since at the same time, Portugal will be able to count on Benfica in C3 but also on Sporting Braga and more surprisingly, União Torreense, a Portuguese second division club which won the National Cup last year.

But all eyes are already turning towards the 2nd day of C1: Lens will host Sporting CP in Bollaert. This will quite simply be the only direct confrontation between a French club and a Portuguese club in all league phases this season (C1, C3 and C4 combined). A duel that will be worth gold. Finally, for the record, Azerbaijan occupies first place in the season rankings thanks to the performance of its only survivor, Sabah FK, largely defeated at Old Trafford against Manchester United (4-0). A temporary anomaly before giants like England (9 qualified out of 9) and Spain (8/8) return to their usual positions at the top of Europe.

Ranking of nations according to 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 09/11/2026)

-1. Azerbaijan 5,125 points (1/4)

-2. Norway 5,000 points (4/5)

-3. Portugal 4,700 points (5/5)

-4. Türkiye 4,700 points (4/5)

-5. Spain 4.625 points (8/8)

-6. England 4,611 points (9/9)

-7. Germany 4.571 points (7/7)

-8. Austria 4,200 points (3/5)

-9. Slovakia 4.125 points (1/4)

-10. Italy 4.071 points (7/7)

…

-12. Netherlands 3,833 points (6/6)