FC Porto and Sporting CP are driving Portugal’s push for an additional Champions League spot, with UEFA revenue representing nearly 30% of Portuguese clubs’ non-transfer income.
The battle for European qualification is intensifying for Portuguese clubs, as securing a fifth Champions League berth for the 2026/27 season is a major financial goal. Currently, England and Spain lead the UEFA coefficient rankings, meaning those leagues would receive an extra spot in the competition. However, Portugal is firmly in contention and recent results are bolstering their case.
FC Porto’s recent 2-0 victory over VfB Stuttgart was a significant step, with William Gomes and Victor Froholdt scoring the goals. FC Porto too secured a 3-0 win against Moreirense FC, solidifying their position at the top of the league. Alan Varela commented after the Stuttgart match, stating, “We’re halfway there and we’re taking it step by step.” These wins contribute valuable points to Portugal’s UEFA ranking.
Should Portugal secure the extra Champions League spot, the financial implications would be substantial. A team finishing second in the Primeira Liga would directly qualify for the Champions League group stage, bypassing the playoff round. Considering FC Porto’s strong form, this could mean a significant financial windfall for Portuguese football. Sporting CP could receive €35 million simply for entering the league stage, while Benfica could potentially earn €43 million.
Return to Sixth Place
This scenario anticipates a reality that will become effective in the 2027/28 season. Portugal has regained its sixth-place ranking in the UEFA coefficient table, meaning the nation could theoretically have three teams in the Champions League group stage – two automatically qualified and one entering the third qualifying round. Portugal confirmed its rise above the Netherlands with FC Porto’s win in Stuttgart. With six teams participating in European competitions – Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League – Portugal has increased its opportunity to accumulate more ranking points.
UEFA Revenue is Crucial
The financial impact of UEFA distributions is significant for Portuguese clubs. According to the UEFA report “The European Club Finance and Investment Landscape,” in 2024, Portuguese clubs generated €618 million in revenue, excluding transfer fees. Of that total, €167 million came from UEFA – equivalent to 27% of the clubs’ total revenue. The “large three” – Sporting CP, Benfica, and FC Porto – accounted for €125.5 million of that amount (Sporting: €14.5 million in the Europa League; Benfica: €46 million in the Champions League and Europa League; and FC Porto with €65 million in the Champions League).
Portugal is one of the European countries most reliant on UEFA funding, and as the organization increases prize money (€2.5 billion this season), the pressure on clubs to maximize their revenue grows. Portuguese clubs have received €720 million in UEFA prize money over the past decade, and projections suggest that figure will continue to rise. Since 2020, clubs in the Primeira Liga have received an estimated €300-400 million from UEFA, with Benfica, FC Porto, Sporting CP, and Braga leading the way. This season, Sporting and Benfica have already earned €130 million in the Champions League, with Portuguese representatives responsible for nearly €80 million in earnings. Reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League yields €15 million, the final €18.5 million, and winning the trophy guarantees €25 million.
