Netherlands gains breathing room on coefficient rankings

Dutch clubs gained ground on the UEFA coefficient rankings after wins by Ajax, NEC and Twente, moving Netherlands away from the danger zone.

The Eredivisie earned six points this midweek across European competition, translating to one full coefficient point. While Champions League results were mixed with two defeats, victories from Ajax, NEC and FC Twente provided crucial gains.

Netherlands' position on the 2023-28 coefficient list has improved after a difficult previous season and slow start. The country now sits ninth, more than three points clear of 11th place — a critical threshold, as champions from outside the top ten must enter Champions League qualifying. The Eredivisie is projected to finish eighth in the 2022-27 rankings, the lowest since 2015-20, meaning the 2028 cup winner will need to play Europa League playoffs.

Upcoming fixtures offer further opportunities: Feyenoord face Porto, PSV play Real Madrid, AZ visit Sparta Prague, NEC host Rennes, Ajax meet Thun and Twente travel to Freiburg. Strong results at the highest level could push Netherlands toward the elite tier.