The 2024/25 European season is quickly approaching, with 236 clubs set to compete in UEFA’s continental club competitions this season.
With the first qualifying round draws a bit more than a week away, Extratime Talk will be providing a comprehensive coefficient preview. Between now and then, each country will be previewed, and all clubs participating in Europe for the 2024/25 season are discussed.
In these articles, we will provide analyses of what to expect from each country in Europe. We will explore what is on the line from a coefficient standpoint, and the keys to succeeding, in that country’s case.
The 27th country to be analyzed ahead of the 2024/25 season is Iceland, who will be looking to build upon their 2023/24 showing.
Iceland In Europe: Country Profile
| Previous Season Coefficient (Rank) | 3.833 (27th) |
| Previous Season’s 5-Year Coefficient (Rank) | 9.583 (41st) |
| Starting 5-Year Coefficient (Rank) | 8.958 (36th) |
Just a few years after finishing in the bottom five of UEFA’s five-year coefficient ranking, Iceland has shot up the tables. In the space of just three seasons, the Nordic nation has gone from 52nd in the rankings to starting the 2024/25 campaign in 36th spot, with a view of the top 33.
The transformation has been nothing short of remarkable from Iceland and their clubs. The country’s three teams made the most of having one less European representative than normal last season. That allowed them more points than usual, especially since Breiðablik made the Conference League group stage last fall. Going into July, it will be interesting to see whether the Icelandic clubs can continue to build on last year’s amazing showing.
Iceland In Europe: Club Profile
| Club | Qualified As | Round of Entry | Total European Seasons | Last Season’s Performance | 5-Year Club Coefficient (2023/24) | 5-Year Country Coefficient Contribution, 2023/24 (%) |
| Víkingur Reykjavík | Domestic Champion | UCL Q1 | 10 | UECL Q1 | 4.000 | 2.125 (46.52%) |
| Valur Reykjavik | Domestic Runner-up | UECL Q1 | 26 | N/A | 3.000 | 0.125 (1.3%) |
| Stjarnan | Domestic Third Place | UECL Q1 | 7 | N/A | 2.500 | 0.375 (3.91%) |
| Breiðablik | Domestic Fourth Place | UECL Q1 | 10 | UECL Group Stage | 8.500 | 4.458 (46.52%) |
For the second time in three years, Víkingur Reykjavík won the Besta deild karla title. That sees them return to Europe for the third season in a row and 10th time overall. Their best ever European season came in 2022/23, where they made the third qualifying round of the Conference League after winning the Champions League preliminary round mini-tournament. As champions, Víkingur returns to the UCL, but starts in the first qualifying round. They could be one to watch this July.
Valur Reykjavik finished in second place, making a return to Europe after a two-year absence. They made Q3 of the Europa League six years ago, losing on away goals to Sheriff Tiraspol. Since then, they have not won a European tie, despite starting in UCL Q1 twice. They will be unseeded in the UECL Q1 draw, which will make things more difficult for them to advance.
Third place Stjarnan had a magical run in UEL qualifying a decade ago, making the playoff round before losing to Internazionale. However, they have been unable to live up to that wonderful season, which was their first in European club competition. They have progressed from a tie just twice since, both times coming against an Estonian team. Like Valur, they will also be unseeded in UECL Q1.
Completing this lineup for the Icelandic teams is Breiðablik, who went one better than the previously mentioned Stjarnan. The fourth place side in the league last year, Breiðablik went from the UCL preliminary round all the way to the UECL group stage. That was a first for any Icelandic team. While making a repeat visit would be incredible, Breiðablik will have the advantage of being seeded in UECL Q1, Q2, and Q3 this summer. That could give them a fighting chance to return to the UECL proper.
Iceland Season Ambitions
Iceland will be part of an intense battle for 33rd spot this season. As a result, the ambition will certainly be to clinch a place in the top 33. They start just a bit more than 0.500 points behind Ireland for 33rd, and about 1.000 behind Kosovo in 32nd. That shows they are well in the running.
Iceland earned at least 3.000 coefficient points in each of their last two seasons. Doing that again in 2024/25 will likely see them finish 33rd. It would also put them in a very commanding position going into 2025/26, especially since they only have 0.625 points to defend this year. Thus, Iceland should be looking for at least 3.000 points again.
What a Successful Season Looks Like for Icelandic Football
Last summer showed that Iceland could see their clubs make the UECL proper on a regular basis. Multiple Icelandic teams have made Q3 of the UECL in each of the last two years. That has been the main reason why they ended up with 3.000 points or more.
So, a successful season for Iceland would be having at least two teams playing European football in August. Víkingur Reykjavík will have at least four games in Europe, and would just need to progress from UCL Q1 to be assured the UECL playoff round at minimum. Breiðablik will have a lot of eyes on them, especially after the last two season. But, if they can make UECL Q3 once again, that would also help. Valur and Stjarnan making UECL Q2 would also be a success from an Icelandic standpoint.
What to Expect From Iceland in 2024/25
Iceland should be set for another very good year in Europe. The Nordic nation’s success of 2023/24 in particular came from the clubs’ impressive home record. That was a large reason why they managed to progress from the ties. If that continues into 2024/25, that will significantly increase the chances of a top 33 finish for them.
Overall, expect Iceland to be in the thick of the race for 33rd spot. It is well within their grasp, and it would not be a surprise should they end up finishing in the top 33. A seasonal coefficient of at least 2.500 will give them a chance. We can expect them to pick up at least 2.000 points this year, likely more. The only question would be: will it be enough for 33rd or better? It will be very close, so keep an eye out for the Icelandic sides throughout summer this summer, as they will be a very interesting watch, especially in this race for 33rd.