Can the Bundesliga Secure a Fifth UEFA Champions League Spot?

The Bundesliga’s quest for a fifth UEFA Champions League spot is gaining momentum, thanks in part to the impressive European performances of teams like Borussia Dortmund. As the league continues to vie for a coveted spot in the top-tier competition, fans and analysts alike are left wondering: what does it take for the Bundesliga to secure an extra qualification spot?

UEFA’s Revamped Format

In a bid to shake up the Champions League landscape, UEFA has introduced a new format that awards an additional qualification spot to the two best-performing leagues in the current season, based on their coefficient rankings. This means that the more wins and further a league’s teams progress in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, the higher they climb in the rankings.

The Bundesliga’s Current Standing

As of December 12, 2025, the Bundesliga sits second in the UEFA association club coefficients standings, putting the league in a strong position to claim an extra Champions League spot. However, with the current editions of the three European competitions still in their league phases, there is still much to be decided between now and the finals next May.

Top 10 UEFA Association Club Coefficients for 2025/26

1. England – 12.500
2. Germany – 11.142
3. Italy – 11.000
4. Portugal – 10.600
5. Spain – 10.375
6. Poland – 10.125
7. Cyprus – 10.000
8. France – 9.500
9. Denmark – 9.125
10. Greece – 8.300

A Potential Sixth Bundesliga Qualifier?

While the prospect of a German side lifting the Champions League trophy each year may seem exciting, it also raises the possibility of a sixth Bundesliga qualifier. If the Champions League-winning team finishes outside the top four in the league, their berth as Champions League holders would be passed to another country, potentially paving the way for a sixth German team to qualify.

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