OGC Nice: A Thorn in France’s Side
While OGC Nice continues to struggle, marking their 17th European Cup match without a victory after a 0-3 defeat to Porto, this downturn appears to be an anomaly in a resurgence for French football. The performance of other clubs this week has brought much-needed optimism back into the mix.
AS Monaco’s Frustration and Others’ Triumphs
Despite AS Monaco’s frustrating last-minute draw against Pafos in Cyprus, the rest of the French contingent shined. PSG delivered a stunning performance against Tottenham at the Parc des Princes, winning 5-3 in a thrilling encounter. OM followed suit, turning the tide against Newcastle with a remarkable 2-1 victory, thanks in part to the prowess of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
France’s Clubs Stand Tall
Another Premier League club, Crystal Palace, faced the inevitable as they succumbed to Strasbourg, who defeated the London side 2-1 in the Conference League. In the Europa League, OL showcased their dominance by hammering Maccabi Tel Aviv 6-0, led by a hat-trick from Corentin Tolisso. Meanwhile, LOSC put on a stellar show, crushing Dinamo Zagreb 4-0. Such impressive performances not only uplifted the immediate standing of these clubs but also contributed significantly to France’s reputation in European football.
France’s Rising UEFA Ranking
As a result of these victories, France has made considerable strides in the UEFA coefficient standings. Currently positioned fifth with 73.444 points, France gained 0.625 points on Germany, who sits in fourth place in the five-year ranking. The Netherlands, now sixth, experienced a notable downturn, falling to 8.744 points this season.
UEFA Coefficient Rankings for 2025/26
As of November 28, 2025, the rankings of nations according to the UEFA coefficient are as follows:
- England – 10.944 points (9/9)
- Germany – 9.857 points (7/7)
- Italy – 9.571 points (7/7)
- Portugal – 9.400 points (4/5)
- Poland – 9.375 points (4/4)
- Cyprus – 9.250 points (3/4)
- Spain – 9.250 points (7/7)
- France – 8.267 points (7/7)
- Denmark – 8.125 points (2/4)
- Greece – 7.100 points (4/5)
Historical Perspective: UEFA Coefficient Over Five Seasons
In the longer view, examining the UEFA coefficient for nations from 2021 to 2026, we find:
- England – 101.783 points
- Italy – 90.517 points
- Spain – 84.203 points
- Germany – 80.974 points
- France – 73.444 points
- Netherlands – 64.700 points
- Portugal – 62.666 points
- Belgium – 57.750 points
- Türkiye – 47.475 points
- Czech Republic – 44.300 points
Looking Ahead
As the landscape of European football evolves, the recent resurgence among French clubs offers hope. Despite the ongoing struggles of OGC Nice, the triumphs of PSG, OM, OL, and others signal that optimism is not merely a dream; it’s becoming reality. France may still have its “little stone in the shoe,” but there’s plenty of promise on the horizon, paving the way for a brighter future in European football.