In the UEFA competitions a total of 55 countries participates in the competitions. These are all the member associations of UEFA (Union of European Football Associations), and they include: All sovereign European nations (e.g., England, Germany, France, Italy), Smaller nations (e.g., San Marino, Liechtenstein, Andorra), Non-sovereign territories with independent football associations (e.g., Scotland, Wales, Gibraltar).
Each of these 55 UEFA member countries is eligible to send clubs to UEFA competitions: the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League, depending on their domestic league's performance and UEFA coefficient rankings.
In the UEFA Competitions Allocation (Basic Structure for 2025–26), Top leagues (e.g., England, Spain, Germany, Italy): Up to 4–5 clubs in the Champions League due to high UEFA coefficient rankings. Mid-ranked leagues (e.g., Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium): Typically 2–3 clubs with varying routes to group stages. Lower-ranked leagues (e.g., Lithuania, Malta, Iceland):
Typically 1 club enters Champions League qualifiers, with more clubs in Europa and Conference League qualifiers.
The exact number of teams per country varies based on their position in UEFA's country coefficient rankings, which reflect club performances in European competitions over the past five seasons.
For the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League season, the competition will feature 36 teams in the league phase, an increase from the previous 32-team format. This expansion allows for broader representation across UEFA's member associations.
The 2024–25 Premier League season concluded with a historic outcome: six English clubs have qualified for the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League, marking the highest representation from the league in the competition's history. This expansion is attributed to England securing an additional spot due to its clubs' superior performance in European competitions over the past season.
Liverpool
Liverpool clinched their 20th English league title, finishing the season with 84 points, ten points ahead of second-placed Arsenal. Mohamed Salah's goal in the final match brought his tally to 29 for the season, tying the Premier League record for goal involvements. The season also marked the end of an era as Trent Alexander-Arnold played his final game for the club, receiving a heartfelt send-off from fans and teammates alike.
Arsenal
Arsenal secured second place with a 2-1 victory over Southampton on the final day. Kieran Tierney opened the scoring in his final game for the club, and Martin Ødegaard secured the win with a late goal. Goalkeeper David Raya shared the Golden Glove award with Nottingham Forest's Matz Sels, both tallying 13 clean sheets.
Manchester City
Manchester City finished third after a 2-0 win against Fulham. Ilkay Gündogan's overhead kick and Erling Haaland's penalty secured the victory. The match was notable for Kevin De Bruyne's final appearance for the club, receiving a standing ovation from fans.
Chelsea
Chelsea claimed fourth place with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, thanks to Levi Colwill's decisive goal. This result marked a successful end to Enzo Maresca's first season as manager.
Newcastle United
Despite a 1-0 loss to Everton, Newcastle United secured fifth place and a Champions League spot, benefiting from Aston Villa's 2-0 defeat to Manchester United. This marks Newcastle's second consecutive season qualifying for Europe's premier competition. The club also celebrated their first domestic trophy in 70 years by winning the EFL Cup.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur earned their Champions League berth by winning the UEFA Europa League, despite a challenging domestic season that saw them finish 17th. The 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the final ended a 17-year trophy drought for the club.
With these six teams set to compete in the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League, English football fans can look forward to a season of high-stakes European action.
