What Happens If Chelsea Win, Loss or Draw vs Sunderland? European Qualification Decoded

Chelsea head into the final day of the 2025-26 Premier League season still fighting for European qualification against Sunderland on 24 May 2026.

With Xabi Alonso set to take charge of Chelsea next season, the club will want to end the current campaign on a positive note by securing qualification for European competition.

Their final-day clash against Sunderland could determine exactly which competition, if any, the Blues will play in next season.

Here's what happens depending on Chelsea's result against Sunderland.

If Chelsea beats Sunderland:

A victory would guarantee Chelsea a place in European competition next season.

Three points would secure at least a UEFA Conference League qualification spot, while there is still a possibility of moving into the UEFA Europa League positions depending on results elsewhere, particularly if Brighton fail to win their own final-day fixture against Manchester United.

Winning would also allow Chelsea to finish the season strongly after an inconsistent league campaign that has seen them spend large parts of the year outside the European places.

If Chelsea draws against Sunderland:

A draw would leave Chelsea on 53 points and make the European race far more complicated.

In that scenario, the Blues would need favourable results from teams around them. A lot would depend on whether Brentford manages to win their final game against Liverpool.

If Brentford fail to take all three points, Chelsea could still hold onto a European qualification spot. However, a Brentford victory could push the Blues out of the European positions entirely.

Goal difference may also become important depending on how the final-day matches unfold.

If Chelsea loses to Sunderland:

Defeat would be the worst possible outcome for Chelsea.

Sunderland would move above them in the table, leaving Chelsea missing out on European football altogether.

After spending heavily and entering the season with expectations of a top-six finish, failing to qualify for Europe would be viewed as a major disappointment at Stamford Bridge.

For Sunderland, meanwhile, victory would complete a remarkable end to the season and potentially secure their own return to European competition.

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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 9:45 AM.