Uefa has approved a new qualifying format for men's World Cup and European Championship, designed to reduce mismatches between top nations and minnows like San Marino or Andorra. The changes, agreed by Uefa's executive committee in Istanbul on Wednesday, will take effect after Euro 2028.
The new structure will be based on the latest Nations League rankings and incorporate elements of the Swiss system used in Uefa's club competitions. League 1 will consist of three groups of 12 teams, while the lower-ranked nations (18 or 19 if Russia returns) will play in three groups of six or two of six and one of seven within League 2. Each team will play six matches—three home and three away—drawn from three pots based on ranking.
An unspecified number of teams from each League 1 group will qualify directly, with a playoff competition for others, including some from League 2. Allocations will vary by tournament: 24 teams reach the European Championship, while 16 European spots are available for the World Cup. Host nations will qualify automatically but are expected to participate in the new format.
The Nations League will also be revamped into three leagues of 18 teams (A, B, C) from the current four, divided into groups of six. Teams will play six games against five opponents, one home and away. A League C group could expand to seven if Russia returns. The knockout stages remain unchanged. The 36 teams in Nations League A and B will form League 1 of qualifiers, with League 2 mirroring Nations League C.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said: 'The new formats will improve competitive balance, reduce the number of dead matches, offer a more appealing and dynamic competition to fans, while ensuring a fair qualification chance for all teams and without adding any additional dates in the international calendar.' Leading countries and broadcasters had pushed for reform, though some smaller nations may be unhappy at losing guaranteed big-ticket games. The new Nations League begins in 2028-29, with final approval expected at Uefa's next executive committee meeting on 15 September.
