England and Germany’s Champions League dominance is a modern-day David vs. Goliath battle, where the rich get richer while smaller nations are left in the dust, echoing the age-old struggle between the powerful and the powerless in society.
The UEFA Champions League has long been the pinnacle of club football, a stage where the best teams in Europe compete for glory. As the competition evolves, so too do the rules governing entry and qualification. The introduction of the European Performances Spots (EPS) has sparked intense debate about fairness and the implications for football’s competitive landscape. The current situation sees England and Germany poised to secure additional Champions League places, a development that could further entrench their dominance in European football.
The EPS system was implemented to reward nations based on their performance in European competitions. Since the 2024-25 season, UEFA has granted an extra qualifying place to the two best-performing nations from the previous season, based on points accrued through wins and draws in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. This system inherently favors countries with deeper footballing resources and more competitive leagues, creating a cycle where the strongest nations continue to thrive while others struggle to keep pace.
As of now, England leads the race for the 2026-27 EPS spots with a total of 9.388 points, having all nine of its clubs still competing in European tournaments. Germany follows closely with 8.000 points, with all seven of its clubs remaining in contention. This performance is a testament to the strength and depth of both leagues, which have seen significant investment and development over the years. The financial power of clubs in these nations allows them to attract top talent, invest in infrastructure, and build competitive squads capable of succeeding on the European stage.
In contrast, nations like Portugal and Cyprus, while they have produced competitive teams, lack the same level of resources and depth. Portugal, with 7.800 points, has four out of five clubs still in European competition, showcasing their ability to compete but highlighting the disparity when compared to the likes of England and Germany. Cyprus, with 7.750 points, faces a similar challenge, as their clubs often struggle to make a significant impact in the later stages of European competitions.
The EPS system has raised questions about the long-term implications for football as a whole. Critics argue that it creates an uneven playing field, where the rich get richer and smaller nations are left to fight for scraps. This mirrors broader societal issues where wealth and resources are concentrated in the hands of a few, leaving others to struggle for recognition and success. The disparity in football is not just about financial resources; it also affects the development of talent and the overall competitiveness of leagues.
The current landscape of European football is heavily influenced by the financial clout of clubs in England and Germany. The Premier League, in particular, has become a global brand, attracting viewers and sponsorships from around the world. This financial power translates into higher wages for players, better facilities, and the ability to invest in youth development. As a result, clubs in these leagues can afford to take risks on young talent, knowing that they have the resources to support their development.
Germany, with its strong emphasis on youth development and club culture, has also seen success on the European stage. The Bundesliga’s model, which promotes financial sustainability and fan engagement, has produced competitive teams that can challenge for European honors. Clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich have consistently performed well in the Champions League, showcasing the strength of German football.
The implications of the EPS system extend beyond just the immediate benefits for England and Germany. As these nations secure additional Champions League places, it could lead to a further concentration of talent and resources in their leagues. This, in turn, could make it increasingly difficult for clubs from smaller nations to compete, leading to a cycle of decline for those leagues.
The historical context of football’s evolution reveals a pattern of dominance by certain nations. In the early years of the Champions League, clubs from countries like Italy and Spain were the powerhouses of European football. However, as the financial landscape shifted, so too did the balance of power. The influx of investment in the Premier League and Bundesliga has reshaped the competition, creating a new hierarchy in European football.
As we look ahead to the 2026-27 season, the battle for Champions League places will continue to be a focal point for clubs across Europe. The current standings reflect a broader trend of consolidation among the elite, raising questions about the future of competition in European football. Will smaller nations be able to break through the barriers created by the EPS system, or will they be relegated to the sidelines as the giants of the game continue to dominate?
The debate surrounding the EPS system highlights the complexities of modern football. While it rewards success and performance, it also raises concerns about equity and the future of competition. As the landscape continues to evolve, the impact of these changes will be felt across the footballing world, shaping the narrative of the sport for years to come. The struggle for Champions League places is not just a battle for entry into a prestigious tournament; it is a reflection of the broader dynamics at play in the world of football, where power, resources, and opportunity intersect in a complex web of competition and ambition.
England and Germany are currently on course to win the two extra Champions League places on offer for next season’s competition.
Since the start of the 2024-25 season, when the Champions League’s first round expanded from 32 teams to 36, Uefa have handed an extra qualifying place to each of the two best-performing nations in the previous season.
Using Uefa’s association rankings, where points are earned by winning and drawing matches in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, the two nations with the highest points get given a direct qualification each for the following season’s Champions League.
Throughout the season, teams earn two points for every win and one for draws across the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. There are also bonus points on offer for every round reached across the three competitions, although more points are given to teams competing in the Champions League than in the other competitions.
In the qualification rounds, these points are halved.
Points earned are then divided by how many teams from that country entered European competitions at the start of the season.
In the 2025-26 season, England have nine teams competing in Europe. That means all points are divided by nine.
Scotland started the season with five teams competing in Europe. Although Hibernian and Dundee United failed to progress out of the qualifying rounds, three teams remain – but Scotland’s points are still divided by five.
For this season, England and Spain were given one extra spot each as they were the two best-performing nations across the 2024-25 campaign. That meant entry to the Champions League was given to Newcastle and Athletic Club.
For the 2024-25 season, Italy and Germany were given the two places, known as European Performances Spots (EPS). Bologna and Borussia Dortmund were the teams granted entry.
What does the current table look like?
Current top 10 in race for 2026-27 EPS spots:
- England 9.388 (9/9 clubs remaining)
- Germany 8.000 (7/7 clubs remaining)
- Portugal 7.800 (4/5 clubs remaining)
- Cyprus 7.750 (3/4 clubs remaining)
- Italy 7.7.14 (7/7 clubs remaining)
- Spain 7.625 (8/8 clubs remaining)
- Denmark 7.125 (2/4 clubs remaining)
- Italy 6.857 (7/7 clubs remaining)
- France 6.357 (7/7 clubs remaining)
- Netherlands 5.916 (6/6 clubs remaining)
Thanks to Nige in Morpeth for the question.
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