Uefa Unveils Game-Changing Format for National Team Qualifiers by 2030
Uefa has revealed ambitious plans to revamp the qualification process for national teams in Europe, aiming for a Champions League-style format by the 2030 World Cup. The 36 highest-ranked countries will be divided into three groups of 12 in League A, where they will compete against six selected teams. This new structure echoes the ‘Swiss system’ implemented in Uefa's club competitions since the 2024-25 season. League B will consist of either three groups of six or a combination of two groups of six and one of seven, depending on the number of participating nations. While Uefa is still finalizing the specifics of the qualification process, it confirmed that the three group winners in League A will secure direct spots in the finals of either the Euro or World Cup. The remaining spots will be filled through play-offs involving teams from both leagues. This innovative format aims to maintain a competitive balance by keeping highest and lowest-ranked teams separate, potentially reducing instances of one-sided matches. Uefa’s executive committee is scheduled to finalize these changes at a meeting in September. Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin emphasized that these new formats will enhance competition, minimize uncompetitive matches, and provide fair opportunities for all teams without adding extra dates to the international calendar. Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Association, highlighted the importance of evolving the qualification structure to improve international football. Additionally, Uefa plans to modify the Nations League format starting from the 2028-29 edition, shifting from four leagues to three leagues of 18 teams each, organized into three groups of six. As part of the new proposal, co-hosts Spain and Portugal for the 2030 World Cup will automatically qualify but will still participate in the qualifying competition with specific objectives related to the Nations League.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-05-20