Could Premier League really have seven teams in the Champions League?

The Premier League could make history next season by sending seven teams to the Champions League and up to 11 teams to European competitions overall.

A combination of strong performances by English clubs in Europe this season and UEFA’s evolving qualification rules has created the possibility for unprecedented representation.

Currently, the top four Premier League teams qualify directly for the Champions League. However, England’s position at the top of UEFA’s coefficient rankings means a fifth spot is almost guaranteed next season.

The scenario becomes even more intriguing if Arsenal or Aston Villa, both competing in this season’s Champions League, win the tournament but finish outside the top five in the Premier League. In this case, they would secure an automatic berth for next season, raising the tally to six teams.

Adding to the mix, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are among the favourites to win the Europa League. Should either triumph while finishing outside the top five domestically, they too would earn a Champions League spot.

This alignment of circumstances could see as many as seven Premier League clubs in Europe’s elite competition next season, a feat never achieved before.

Beyond the Champions League, the Premier League typically sends two teams to the Europa League and one to the Europa Conference League. These spots are typically allocated to the fifth-placed league finisher and the winners of the FA Cup and League Cup. If those winners qualify for Europe through their league position, the places are handed down to other teams in the league standings.

This season, Chelsea, England’s representative in the Europa Conference League, could further complicate matters. Should they win the competition but fail to secure a Europa League spot through their Premier League finish, they would gain an additional Europa League place for English clubs.

Under this scenario, the Premier League could send up to 11 teams to European competitions: seven in the Champions League, three in the Europa League, and one in the Conference League.

Achieving this outcome would require a perfect storm of results across multiple competitions. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Chelsea would all need to progress deep into their respective tournaments while not traditionally qualifying for Europe through their league position.

Regardless of whether the Premier League ultimately secures 11 European spots next season, this potential scenario highlights the league’s growing strength on the global stage. With top-tier talent, financial power, and competitive depth, the Premier League continues to set new benchmarks in European football.