Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Mon 18 May 2026 7:10, UK

Everton’s European hopes took a heavy hit after their 3-1 defeat to Sunderland, but they are not dead and buried yet heading into the final day.

David Moyes will know his side have it all to do, but with it still technically being possible, that hope is at least something to cling onto.

The Scotsman’s post-match comments hint towards the fact he believes they cannot overcome this hurdle, and he may very well be right.

Everton’s route to Europe is quite difficult. They require multiple results to go their way, and they will need to score quite a few goals of their own on the final day.

Here is how Everton can qualify for Europe in the final matchweek of the season.

How can Everton qualify for Europe now?

Everton’s defeat against Sunderland means they need plenty of results to go their way in order to have any chance of getting into Europe.

The possibility is slim, but it is a possibility nonetheless for the Toffees heading into the final day.

First of all, they will need Chelsea versus Tottenham on Tuesday evening to end in a draw or a Tottenham win. Followed by Chelsea and Sunderland drawing on the final day.

Then, a Fulham win or a draw against Newcastle would be enough for the Toffees as long as the Cottagers do not surprise everyone with a high-scoring victory. Everton’s goal difference is currently plus four over Marco Silva’s side.

The trickiest part of the equation is the Blues overcoming the goal difference swing with Brentford, as the Bees are five goals to the good.

Unfortunately, for the L3 outfit, they may have to quietly cheer for a Liverpool rout over Brentford of at least four goals.

If Liverpool win 3-0, then Everton would secure European football with a 3-0 win over Tottenham. There have certainly been easier ways to qualify for Europe.

When could Everton mathematically lose the chance of European football?

While it technically won’t be mathematically over if Chelsea beats Tottenham, the Stamford Bridge outfit’s current goal difference of plus six compared to Everton’s minus two means it would effectively be over.

Even if the London side wins by the minimum margin of one, they would still require a Sunderland draw on the final day.

This would leave the Toffees needing a win with a margin of 10 against Spurs. That level of victory would be a Premier League first, with the heaviest win in the league’s history being 9-0.

So, ultimately, Tuesday is the day of reckoning, with Everton learning their final fate for this Premier League season.

Overall, a draw against Sunderland could have left them in a better position, but the Blues are their own worst enemy once more.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.