England have officially secured the first extra Champions League spot for the 2026/27 season. Now, only one extra Champions League spot remains. So which nations could still earn that coveted spot in the UEFA Champions League, and how can they go about doing it?
Spain
As it stands, Spain has the easiest route to fifth place on the La Liga table as enough to secure Champions League football for next season. They currently sit second in the UEFA rankings, with a slight lead over Germany.
The quarter-finals didn’t quite go Spain’s way, and LaLiga will now rely on a storming Atletico Madrid side, as well as an exciting Rayo Vallecano squad, to see them through.
How They Secure the Extra Champions League Spot
It’s a win-win scenario for Spain. Neither Spanish side is matched up against a club from a nation contending for an exra Champions League spot. While they cannot eliminate any contenders themselves, advancing to the final in their respective competition would almost surely lock up the fifth spot for Spain.
Looking ahead to the finals, Atleti could end up facing Bayern Munich. If that were to happen, there could be more than just European glory on the line.
In the right scenario, that matchup could determine which nation sends five to the Champions League next season.
Germany
Germany sit just behind Spain in the European Performance Spots rankings, but have just as much reason to be optimistic about securing a fifth spot for the Bundesliga.
Like Spain, they have two clubs remaining in UEFA competition. Both Real Madrid and SC Freiburg saw out Spanish opposition in the quarter-finals, bringing them within striking distance in UEFA rankings.
How They Secure the Extra Champions League Spot
They’ll need a little bit of help, but if even one result goes their way, tides could shift very quickly. If Bayern and Freiburg advance to their respective finals, and one of the two Spanish sides bow out, it’s anyone’s game.
Bayern will take on reigning champs PSG, while Freiburg look to end any and all hope for Portugal in their tie against Braga. A loss from either Spanish side could open the door, but German fans will be crossing their fingers for an Atletico Madrid loss.
Remember that not all competitions are equal: there are more UEFA points to be had in the Champions League than Europa League, and more in Europa than the Conference League.
In a scenario where Bayern and Freiburg advance, and Atletico Madrid fail to do so, it would take a finals victory from either German side, accompanied by a Rayo loss in their final, to vault over Spain for the fifth spot. If both Spanish sides fail to advance, even better.
Portugal
It’s a long shot for the coastal nation, as they only have one squad remaining in European competition.
Braga weren’t necessarily expected to be here, and that could just be what they hold onto as they look to play spoilsport against a German side. They played their part in keeping Spain within reach, cruising to a 5-3 aggregate win over Real Betis.
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How They Secure the Extra Champions League Spot
Nothing but a perfect storm will get Portugal where they need to be. A Braga win over Freiburg would be a great start, but that won’t be enough. Braga will have to rely on French and English sides to eliminate all their contenders in the semifinals.
Braga would have to be the only side from a contending nation to make it to their final, and would then have to go on to win their final.
Despite being in the Europa League, a Rayo Conference League final appearance would be enough to knock Portugal out of the running. The gap is almost too wide to cross at this stage, with an emphasis on almost.
There’s All to Play for
The reality of the UEFA club coefficient is that things can change very quickly. Had Real Madrid and Celta Vigo advanced in place of Bayern and Freiburg, this article wouldn’t exist. Spain would have their extra Champions League spot locked up, cut and dry.
Now, neither Spain nor Germany can directly control their fate. They simply have to rely on winning, and hope that a club from another country does the hard work for them.
While Spain are in the driver’s seat, one must remember: this is football, and anything can happen in football (looking at you, Braga).
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Lackovic
Recording Date: 15.04.2026
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