Uefa has introduced a new qualifying format for men’s World Cup and European Championship tournaments, effectively eliminating mismatches against smaller nations like San Marino and Andorra. This significant change, approved by Uefa’s executive committee in Istanbul on Wednesday, will take effect after Euro 2028 and aims to enhance the competitiveness of fixtures.

The revamped structure will utilize the latest Nations League rankings and incorporate elements of the Swiss system seen in Uefa’s club competitions. Key features of the new format include:

• League 1 will consist of three groups of 12 teams.
• League 2 will include the lower 18 nations, possibly 19 if Russia is reinstated, divided into three groups of six or two groups of six and one of seven.
• Each team will play six matches, three at home and three away, based on rankings from three pots.

An unspecified number of teams from League 1 will qualify directly for the tournaments, while a playoff will cater to those who fall short, alongside some from League 2. The number of allocations will vary by tournament, with 24 teams qualifying for the European Championship and 16 spots available for World Cups.

Uefa’s president, Aleksander Ceferin, emphasized that the new formats will improve competitive balance and reduce uninteresting matches, making the competitions more appealing to fans while ensuring fair qualification opportunities for all teams.

The changes come in response to calls from leading countries and broadcasters for an update to a system perceived as outdated, with England among those frequently breezing through to major tournaments. However, some smaller nations may be dissatisfied as the new format diminishes the likelihood of high-profile qualifying matches.

The updated Nations League will begin in 2028-29, with final approval anticipated at Uefa’s next executive committee meeting in Thessaloniki on 15 September.