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UEFA Women's Coefficient Review: Qualifying Week 5
A look at the UEFA women's coefficient battles for the 2026/27 season after the fifth week of qualifying.
Things are heating up in the UEFA women's coefficient rankings after last week's action. The final round of the UEFA Women's Champions League started, while the second edition of the UEFA Women's Europa Cup got underway. In total, 42 teams took to the field, with a lot on the line at this stage.
So, where are things in the rankings after the latest week of play? Here is the latest UEFA women's coefficient review.
Battle for 24th/28th: Kosovo Pile the Pressure
The one battle in the rankings that will likely wrap up soon is the race for top 24/28, where just six nations below 28th place remain. Five of the six nations were in action, with three of them getting points. The most significant of the lot were Kosovo, who are now sitting close to 28th.
With KFF Mitrovica earning a draw, Kosovo are 0.250 points outside of 28th spot with the three countries immediately above them all losing. That means should they prevail, it will considerably increase their shot at finishing 28th or better.
Croatia and Belarus also won points last week, though both nations - especially the latter - have some work to do. Croatia's advantage is the fact they have both of their sides left in Europe. That could play to their advantage here, though they will need at least one to move on. As for Belarus, the gap between them and 28th spot is still quite large.
Ukraine were the only other country to get any points, getting a win and a draw. That saw them increase their lead over Romania for 24th spot. If they can earn another win (or two draws) in the UWEC, that will see them jump into 22nd and all but solidify their shot of having multiple teams in Europe come 2028/29.
Bosnia, Lithuania, Cyprus, and Serbia are in danger of elimination. The latter three are still trying to claim one of the final top 28 places, so a result next week will be absolutely necessary to achieve that.
It is really a question of who will be left after UWEC Q1 to decipher where things are in this battle. Twelve countries are left here, but getting to UWEC Q2 has to be the goal to climb up the rankings and benefit from having multiple teams in Europe and/or avoiding UWCL Q1.
Battle for 13th/17th: Denmark Dominate, Slovenia in Trouble
Next is the battle for top 13/top 17, where Belgium, Czechia, and Denmark all achieved perfect weeks. The Danes, winning all three matches, have put themselves in a very strong position to challenge Czechia for Czechia and Switzerland for 13th spot.
Wins from Leuven and Anderlecht have Belgium just about ready to seal top 13. Should OHL qualify for the UWCL proper once more, the bonus points added there should end any doubt. Even Austria, who did not have the best of weeks, can be sure of top 13 if Sturm Graz advance and/or they get a UWCL league phase club.
Switzerland, Slovenia, and Poland did not add points to their totals this week as their teams suffered defeat. Things are particularly concerning for the Slovenians, Radomlje have no safety net should they lose. That would end their hopes of top 17 while completing a disappointing campaign.
Iceland's two victories, both coming in the UWEC, were some much-needed relief from their side. A repeat performance next time out will see them pass the Turks for 15th, and start to put some pressure on Czechia and Switzerland for a top 13 spot.
Speaking of the Czechs and Swiss, it was a contrasting week for the pair. The former moved up to 12th, and will solidify their top 13 hopes if Sparta Praha can finish off Servette in the direct battle. Switzerland have a bit more pressure since their domestic champions are the only ones left. Win this, and at least six more matches are guaranteed.
So, heading into a decisive week, Denmark and Iceland will try to keep pace with those above them, Belgium and Austria will look to lock down a top 13 place, while Slovenia have the arduous task to avoid elimination at the first hurdle once more.
Battle for Sixth/Seventh: Disastrous Dutch, Norway Have Hope
What a fascinating week in the race for top six/top seven, where Portugal and Norway made the most of Sweden having no clubs in action. The same cannot be said for the Netherlands, who suffered three defeats from their teams.
Norway have to be considered the week's winners, thanks in large part to SK Brann's success. While Rosenborg did lose their UWEC opener, it was only by one goal away from home. This means that a perfect week could propel them into the battle for seventh spot. They can earn a maximum of 3.333 points next week, which would see them go within 3.000 points of Sweden.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, are under pressure now. Three losses are never ideal, and at this point of the campaign can be quite damaging. With that said, all hope is not yet lost. None of the three lost by more than two goals, so there is still reason to believe they can turn things around. All eyes will have to be on PSV, as they have the best chance of ensuing the country have a UWCL participant in Friday's draw.
Portugal's only team won in the UWEC, and quite convincingly as well. Now it will just be a matter of getting another victory next week to head into Friday's draws in the best position.
What a week we have coming up. Netherlands and Sweden have the pressure on them to try and close the gap on the Swedes. Pay attention to those six sides as they have a massive role to play in how things turn out here.
Battle for Second/Third: Germany Continue Strong Start
We end with the race for second and third in the UEFA women's coefficient rankings, where England, Spain, and France joined the fray for the first time. It should be noted that England and Italy are not involved in this battle, and are just aiming to win as many points as possible this season.
Germany had the best showing of the trio, as Wolfsburg won their match while Eintracht Frankurt drew in the big one against PSG. The latter match in particular is the biggest one of the lot, as not only is it a direct clash, but bonus points are on the line. Should Frankfurt win, they add 2.333 bonus points for qualifying for the UWCL league phase. If Wolfsburg hold on, that number doubles to 4.666 bonus points, and suddenly, France's third spot is in serious danger.
Spain managed a win and a draw from their games, which could be worse. The first aim will be to have at least one other side join Barcelona in the UWCL main rounds. If that happens, they will not see France catch up to them quite yet. Of course, a PSG elimination would be very ideal from a Spanish perspective.
England and Italy both grabbed a win each and are set to add another team to the UWCL league phase. Both countries should push to increase their coefficients for future seasons, with the latter wanting to fully establish themselves as a top five league.
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