ByJonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist
Cyprus and Denmark are currently on course to win the two extra Champions League places on offer for next season's competition.
Since the start of the 2024-25 season, when the Champions League's first round expanded from 32 teams to 36, Uefa have handed an extra qualifying place to each of the two best-performing nations in the previous season.
Using Uefa's association rankings, where points are earned by winning and drawing matches in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, the two nations with the highest points get given a direct qualification each for the following season's Champions League.
Throughout the season, teams earn two points for every win and one for draws across the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. There are also bonus points on offer for every round reached across the three competitions, although more points are given to teams competing in the Champions League than in the other competitions.
In the qualification rounds, these points are halved.
Points earned are then divided by how many teams from that country entered European competitions at the start of the season.
In the 25-26 season, England have nine teams competing in Europe. That means all points are divided by nine.
Scotland started the season with five teams competing in Europe. Although Hibernian and Dundee United failed to progress out of the qualifying rounds, three teams remain - but Scotland's points are still divided by five.
For this season, England and Spain were given one extra spot each as they were the two best-performing nations across the 2024-25 campaign. That meant entry to the Champions League was given to Newcastle and Athletic Club.
For the 24-25 season, Italy and Germany were given the two places, known as European Performances Spots (EPS). Bologna and Borussia Dortmund were the teams granted entry.
What does the current table look like?
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool, one of six Premier League clubs in this season's Champions League, recorded a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid in their first league phase fixture
Given the Champions League is still in its first round of fixtures, the Europa League and Conference League have not started, and the majority of games have been qualifying matches, more points have been on offer to lower-ranked nations so far.
Cyprus currently lead the way with 5.750 points. Three of their four clubs competing in Europe this season reached the league phase.
Denmark are second with 5.375 points but only have two of their four clubs left in Europe.
Poland are in third, while England and Portugal make up the rest of the top five.
Current top 10 in race for 2026-27 EPS spots
Cyprus 5.750 (3/4 clubs remaining)
Denmark 5.375 (2/4 clubs remaining)
Poland 4.875 (4/4 clubs remaining)
England 4.833 (9/9 clubs remaining)
Portugal 4.800 (4/5 clubs remaining)
Belgium 4.500 (3/5 clubs remaining)
Azerbaijan 4.375 (1/4 clubs remaining)
Spain 4.250 (8/8 clubs remaining)
Italy 4.142 (7/7 clubs remaining)
Germany 4.000 (7/7 clubs remaining)
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