sports
No more mismatches? Uefa revamps qualifying for men’s major tournaments
Starts in 2028-29 season with elements of Swiss system
TL;DR
- UEFA is changing its men's World Cup and European Championship qualifying format, effective after Euro 2028.
- The new system will be based on Nations League rankings and incorporate elements of the Swiss system, creating larger groups.
- League 1 will consist of three groups of 12 teams, while League 2 will have three groups of six (or variations thereof).
- Teams will play six matches in the qualifying groups, with an unspecified number qualifying directly for tournaments.
- A playoff competition will accommodate some teams that fall short, along with participants from League 2.
- The Nations League itself is also being consolidated into three leagues (A, B, C) with groups of six or seven teams.
- UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin stated the changes will improve competitive balance, reduce 'dead matches,' and provide a fairer qualification chance.
- The revamped Nations League will begin in the 2028-29 season, with final approval expected in September.