Last week, we enjoyed the first week of league phase play where all three of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League had matches, giving us plenty to talk about regarding UEFA coefficients. The 108 teams playing in this stage of the competition all have a massive part to play for their respective countries.
Now that we have two matchweeks of UCL and UEL, and one week of UECL behind us, here is The Deck’s weekly analysis of the UEFA coefficient ranking.
UEFA Coefficient: Seasonal Ranking
We commence by looking at the seasonal UEFA coefficient, where we can see there has been a change at the very top. Portugal now leads, though Czechia and England are hot on their heels. So far, it is their record in qualifying that is saving them, but the Portuguese have had a solid to the league phase, with a 5-2-2 record.
| Country (Movement) | Season Coefficient (Record) | Weekly Coefficient (Record) | Teams Left | 2023/24 Coefficient |
| 1. Portugal (+1) | 7.000 (15-4-2) | 1.200 (2-2-1) | 5 (5) | 11.000 |
| 2. Czechia (-1) | 6.900 (21-7-3) | 0.600 (0-3-1) | 4 (5) | 13.500 |
| 3. England (+3) | 6.714 (10-4-1) | 1.857 (6-1-0) | 7 (7) | 17.375 |
| 4. Germany (=) | 6.375 (10-3-4) | 1.375 (5-1-2) | 8 (8) | 19.357 |
| 5. France (-2) | 6.214 (10-3-5) | 1.000 (3-1-2) | 6 (7) | 16.250 |
| 6. Italy (-1) | 6.125 (7-6-4) | 1.250 (5-0-3) | 8 (8) | 21.000 |
| 7. Sweden (+2) | 5.500 (17-5-9) | 1.250 (2-1-0) | 3 (4) | 1.875 |
| 8. Belgium (NR) | 5.200 (14-3-7) | 1.400 (3-1-1) | 5 (5) | 14.400 |
| 9. Spain (-1) | 5.142 (6-2-7) | 0.428 (2-0-5) | 7 (7) | 16.062 |
| 10. Norway (NR) | 4.875 (15-4-6) | 0.750 (1-1-0) | 2 (4) | 8.000 |
Focusing on the ‘Big 5’ leagues, it was England who fully dominated this past week. Only Manchester United failed to pick up maximum points with their very late draw at Porto. The other six teams won, with a total 1.857 points won this week. Through 13 league phase games, English sides are 9-4-0, which is a very good start. A repeat showing next time will almost surely put them on top.
Germany and Italy had similar records, going 5-1-2 and 5-0-3 respectively. Both of Germany’s defeats, however, came against direct rivals. That is not a promising look, and if that cannot be rectified with haste, they will struggle to keep up in this race. In contrast, Italy managed two wins against fellow ‘Big 5; teams, which is an improvement from the first two weeks. While two of their three losses came in direct duels, at least there is a step in the right direction.
France had a decent week, but could have used another win. With a record of 7-3-4 in league phase play so far, they are not in a bad position. The same cannot be said about Spain, who lost in five of the seven games. It is truly a disastrous start for the Spaniards, with just four wins from 14 league phase games (seven losses). Over the next couple of matchweeks, there is little room for error.
Sweden and Belgium also managed to earn over 1.000 points last week, which is quite commendable. The latter, alongside Norway, are in the top 10 this week, replacing Austria and Slovakia.
England can be the happiest with how this week went, while Germany, Italy, and France were decent to a degree. Portugal and Belgium showed great potential as well, with the former being one to watch.
UEFA Coefficients: Five-Year Ranking
Battle for Ninth: Türkiye Weak, Czechia Wobbles a Tad
For the first time this season, Czechia did not grab a win in any of their matches that week. Granted, there was only one defeat – coming from Mladá Boleslav – but it could be seen as a falter nevertheless.
| Country | 5-Year Coefficient | Season Coefficient (Record) | Weekly Coefficient (Record) | Teams Left | Bonus Points |
| 9. Czechia | 40.050 | 6.900 (21-7-3) | 0.600 (0-3-1) | 4 (5) | 1.200 |
| 10. Türkiye | 37.500 | 3.900 (13-7-7) | 0.400 (0-2-2) | 4 (5) | 0.000 |
Perhaps even more shocking was Türkiye’s inability to close the gap, given their rivals’ disappointing week. None of the Turkish clubs managed to win this week, with two of them losing at home. This is not a look for Turkish football fans, as the meagre 0.400 points won with most certainly not be enough. With so much expected from Türkiye this season, this has been a massive letdown so far.
Battle for Top 12/15: Poland Perfect, Norway Solid
To everyone’s favourite battle – the one for places in the top 12-15 in the UEFA coefficient ranking. The biggest winner of this week was Poland, who grabbed a full point. Jagiellonia’s shock last-gasp winner at FC København was particularly huge, as defeating a direct rival is huge in this race.
The only other nation to go unbeaten in this race last week as Norway, who saw Molde win comfortably, while Bodø/Glimt also grabbed a gutsy draw. They are now even farther way in 11th spot, and look quite good to lock up a place in the top 12.
| Country | 5-Year Coefficient | Season Coefficient (Record) | Weekly Coefficient (Record) | Teams Left |
| 11. Norway | 32.750 | 4.875 (15-4-6) | 0.750 (1-1-0) | 2 (4) |
| 12, Austria | 31.600 | 4.800 (8-5-7) | 0.600 (1-1-2) | 4 (5) |
| 13. Israel | 30.625 | 1.875 (6-3-9) | 0.000 (0-0-1) | 1 (4) |
| 14. Switzerland | 30.375 | 3.800 (9-6-11) | 0.400 (1-0-2) | 3 (5) |
| 15. Greece | 30.250 | 3.625 (11-3-4) | 0.750 (1-1-1) | 3 (4) |
| 16. Denmark | 30.200 | 3.750 (11-5-7) | 0.500 (1-0-1) | 2 (4) |
| 17. Scotland | 29.700 | 3.400 (5-6-8) | 0.400 (1-0-2) | 3 (5) |
| 18. Poland | 27.625 | 4.375 (15-1-10) | 1.000 (2-0-0) | 2 (4) |
Austria and Greece also got a win plus a draw last week, the former taking 0.600 points, while the latter won 0.750. That was enough for the Greeks to go ahead of Denmark, who would have held 15th had FCK did not surrender the draw late on. Thus, the Danes had to be satisfied with just one win, alongside Switzerland and Scotland. Israel picked up nothing as Maccabi Tel Aviv fell to FC Midtjylland in a direct clash.
What can we say after this week? Norway and Poland showing serious intent, while Austria and Greece need to make the most of their advantage. Switzerland, Denmark, and Scotland must improve if they are to have a legitimate shot.
Battle for 22nd: Sweden and Cyprus Flex Muscles
As expected, the race for 22nd has in essence become a two-horse race between Sweden and Cyprus, which was evident last week.
Both countries went 2-1-0 in their respective matches, earning 1.250 points each. That leaves the Swedes in 22nd place now, jumping over both Slovakia and Hungary, neither of whom picked up anything. The Cypriots are within striking distance of all three countries above them, so keep an eye out for that.
| Country | 5-Year Coefficient | Season Coefficient (Record) | Weekly Coefficient (Record) | Teams Left |
| 22. Sweden | 21.250 | 5.500 (17-5-9) | 1.250 (2-1-0) | 3 (4) |
| 23. Slovakia | 21.250 | 4.625 (10-5-9) | 0.000 (0-0-1) | 1 (4) |
| 24. Hungary | 21.000 | 3.625 (10-9-6) | 0.000 (0-0-1) | 1 (4) |
| 25. Cyprus | 20.945 | 4.000 (13-3-10) | 1.250 (2-1-0) | 3 (4) |
| 26. Romania | 19.625 | 3.750 (12-5-7) | 0.500 (1-0-0) | 1 (4) |
| 27, Bulgaria | 19.125 | 2.875 (9-3-8) | 0.000 (0-1-0) | 1 (4) |
| 28. Azerbaijan | 19.125 | 2.375 (8-3-10) | 0.000 (0-0-1) | 1 (4) |
The only other countries listed in this group to earn anything this week were Romania and Bulgaria. The former got a win from FCSB, while the latter can thank Ludogorets for their draw. Still, things do not look favourable for either, as well as Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan.
Going into October’s other matchweek of UCL, UEL, and UECL football, all eyes will continue to be on Sweden and Cyprus, who will be neck-and-neck for 22nd place. The rest will try to at least stay in this race, though just how well they will be able to is another matter.
Battle for Top 33/38: Early Movement, Kosovo, Faroe Islands in Trouble
The race for the final two spots in the top 33 are starting to heat up after just one round of play in the UECL. Five of the seven countries picked up points this week, with two grabbing a victory. The biggest winners of the week have to be Ireland and Armenia, who are now closing in on top 33. Things look even brighter for the former, who jumped ahead of Kosovo for 32nd. The latter is another result away from 33rd spot.
| Country | 5-Year Coefficient | Season Coefficient (Record) | Weekly Coefficient (Record) | Teams Left |
| 32. Ireland | 12.250 | 2.625 (7-6-8) | 0.250 (0-1-0) | 1 (4) |
| 33. Kosovo | 12.041 | 2.000 (7-2-9) | N/A | 0 (4) |
| 34. Armenia | 12.000 | 4.125 (14-3-8) | 0.500 (1-0-0) | 1 (4) |
| 35. Latvia | 11.500 | 3.125 (11-2-7) | 0.250 (0-1-0) | 1 (4) |
| 36. Iceland | 11.333 | 2.375 (7-5-9) | 0.000 (0-0-1) | 1 (4) |
| 37. Finland | 11.000 | 1.500 (4-4-9) | 0.000 (0-0-1) | 1 (4) |
| 38. Faroe Islands | 10.750 | 1.500 (4-4-8) | N/A | 0 (4) |
| 39. Kazakhstan | 10.625 | 2.250 (8-2-9) | 0.500 (1-0-0) | 1 (4) |
| 40. Bosnia and Herzegovina | 10.500 | 2.000 (5-5-11) | 0.250 (0-1-0) | 1 (4) |
Latvia earned a draw through RFS in the Europa League, which was a phenomenal result for the Baltic nation. That saw them jump ahead of Iceland into 35th spot, and just 0.541 points behind Kosovo. While Iceland and Finland were the only two countries not to earn points in this race last week, they will also have to look below them. Kazakhstan got a win, with Bosnia and Herzegovina earning an impressive result.
That spells bad news for Faroe Islands, who is now holding onto 38th place by a hair. Any more results from either (or both of) Astana or Borac Banja Luka will see them drop further down, no longer guaranteeing a place in UECL Q2 for their cup winner come 2026/27.
Going into the fourth week of league phase play, look out for Armenia, Kazakhstan and Bosnia, who could put the final nail on Kosovo and/or the Faroes.
Battle for 50th: Belarus Loses Huge Chance
The battle for 50th has no change after this past week. Neither one of The New Saints or Dinamo Minsk could avoid defeat in their games. It was even more painful for the latter, who conceded in stoppage time to Hearts to fall 2-1.
As a result, it is as we were. It will have to feel like a lost opportunity in particular to Belarus, considering just how close they were. The good news for both them and Wales, there are still five matchdays to go.
| Country | 5-Year Coefficient | Season Coefficient (Record) | Weekly Coefficient (Record) | Teams Left |
| 49. Georgia | 6.625 | 1.125 (3-4-7) | N/A | 0 (4) |
| 50. Wales | 6.295 | 1.500 (4-4-9) | 0.000 (0-0-1) | 1 (4) |
| 51. North Macedonia | 6.166 | 0.666 (2-0-6) | N/A | 0 (3) |
| 52. Belarus | 5.500 | 1.375 (4-3-8) | 0.000 (0-0-1) | 1 (4) |
Georgia can breathe a sigh of relief for now in 49th, but they can seldom be too relieved, knowing that a TNS win or two draws, coupled with two Dinamo wins (possibly with another draw) will knock them into the bottom five. Later on this month, TNS has Astana at home, while Dinamo will be at HJK. That could be another chance to smell blood.
A Look at Everyone Else
A look at the other top nations, Netherlands can be satisfied with the week went. Earning a full point, that will ease some pressure on them as they look to avoid being fully dragged into a battle for sixth.
As mentioned earlier, Portugal and Belgium impressed, especially the latter. Three wins – one coming from each competition – is a solid start. If both countries can still have their full complement of teams going into the knockout rounds, things could look interesting from them.
| Country | 5-Year Coefficient | Season Coefficient (Record) | Weekly Coefficient (Record) | Teams Left |
| 6. Netherlands | 56.733 | 4.833 (8-6-6) | 1.000 (1-3-1) | 5 (6) |
| 7. Portugal | 53.016 | 7.000 (15-4-2) | 1.200 (2-2-1) | 5 (5) |
| 8. Belgium | 46.400 | 5.200 (14-3-7) | 1.400 (3-1-1) | 5 (5) |
| 19. Croatia | 25.325 | 4.125 (6-8-4) | 0.250 (0-1-0) | 1 (4) |
| 20. Serbia | 23.675 | 1.900 (3-1-12) | 0.000 (0-0-2) | 2 (5) |
| 21. Ukraine | 23.000 | 2.200 (3-3-10) | 0.000 (0-0-2) | 2 (5) |
| 30 Slovenia | 14.875 | 3.625 (13-3-10) | 0.000 (0-0-2) | 2 (4) |
| 31. Moldova | 14.000 | 1.625 (5-4-11) | 0.000 (0-0-1) | 1 (4) |
| 46. Northern Ireland | 7.833 | 1.000 (4-0-8) | 0.000 (0-0-1) | 1 (4) |
Croatia can be happy with the draw from Dinamo Zagreb, inching them just a bit farther ahead of Serbia and Ukraine, who both struck out. The pair will have to be quite careful, as they could very well be dragged into the race for 22nd, which would not be a good look for either, seeing just how far ahead they were.
None of the other three countries with teams in Europe could get points this past week. Slovenia, Moldova, and Northern Ireland went a combined 0-0-4, and will have to try again next time out. For Slovenia and Moldova, they will be aiming to grab enough points to distance themselves from a battle for 33rd in the near future. At the same time, they will also be looking up the rankings, as 29th spot also has some significance (domestic third place team enters UECL Q2).
As for Northern Ireland, any points gained here will just put further cushion between them and the bottom five in the coming season or two. Moreover, 38th place may also be in the running within the next two years if Larne can make a strong showing here.