The Premier League could have up to seven teams participating in next season’s Champions League, provided that certain outcomes unfold perfectly, with five places already secured.
This additional spot was confirmed after Arsenal claimed a 1-0 victory against Sporting in their quarter-final first leg, with Kai Havertz scoring a last-minute goal in Lisbon.
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This marks the second consecutive year the Premier League has gained an extra berth, reinforcing its status at the top of the European Performance Standings.
Last season, a record six English clubs qualified for the prestigious tournament; five through their league standings and Tottenham advancing to the group stages via winning the Europa League.
The potential participation could expand even further this time, as the Premier League stands to benefit from the expansion of the Champions League to 36 teams, effective from the start of the 2024/25 season.
As with each season, the top four clubs in the Premier League are guaranteed entries for the 2026/27 Champions League – and similar to last year, England will have an additional place.
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Newcastle was the beneficiary of this extra berth last season, as their final-day loss was less impactful after they were leapfrogged by Chelsea into fourth.
The prestigious fifth spot is awarded to one of the two best-performing nations in each season’s European club competitions. English clubs showcased impressive performances in the Champions League group stages, enhancing their points in UEFA’s rankings. While early exits for Chelsea, Manchester City, and Tottenham raised concerns, Arsenal’s success has alleviated worries about limiting the Premier League to four spots next season.
Chelsea secured Champions League qualification on the final day last term (Getty Images)
Therefore, the Premier League is set to have a minimum of five teams in the Champions League by the season’s end. However, qualifying for the sixth and seventh spots requires some hopeful scenarios to play out.
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An additional spot becomes available for the Premier League if an English team outside the top five wins the Champions League this season.
The Champions League winner automatically qualifies for the next season’s tournament; however, if that team has already secured a place through their league finish, then that country does not gain an additional spot.
One of the Premier League’s underperformers would need to win the Champions League to add another spot (Reuters)
Moreover, the winner of the Europa League also secures a spot in the Champions League. If this scenario unfolds, it would bring the Premier League’s total to an impressive seven teams.
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Aston Villa, who finished second in their league phase, are currently strong contenders for the title and will play the second leg of their quarter-final tie against Bologna, leading 3-1.
Aston Villa are among the favourites to win the Europa League (AFP via Getty Images)
However, Villa currently ranks fourth in the Premier League, meaning they would need to triumph in the Europa League while sacrificing a top-five finish for England to secure that coveted seventh qualification position.
Yet, the pressure is not solely on Villa.
Nottingham Forest, who find themselves at the bottom end of the Premier League table, have also reached the quarter-finals, facing Porto in their return leg on Thursday with the score level at 1-1.
If Forest were to win the Europa League, it would guarantee another place for England in next season’s Champions League.