European football's governing body, UEFA, is spearheading a major reform of its international qualifying system, aiming to inject fresh excitement into a format that has left many fans and broadcasters disengaged. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has now been confirmed as part of the working group examining these proposed changes.
The Drive for Change
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin confirmed in October that discussions were actively underway to find a new qualifying format. He stated unequivocally, 'There won’t be any more matches, but a more interesting format.' This initiative stems from a growing concern that the current structure, where between four and six international teams compete in 10 or 12 groups, lacks sufficient jeopardy for major nations. This issue has been amplified by the expansion of both the European Championships and the World Cup.
The problem was highlighted by recent qualifying campaigns. England secured their place at the 48-team 2026 World Cup with two games to spare from an uninspiring group. Similarly, Portugal qualified for Euro 2024 by winning all ten of their matches. There is a palpable fear that this declining competitive tension will eventually impact lucrative television deals.
Potential New Formats on the Table
While no final decision has been made, two primary options are being considered. The leading contender appears to be a shift to a 'Swiss system model', similar to the format recently adopted for the Champions League. This would involve a single, larger group where teams face a variety of opponents based on their ranking.
An alternative proposal would see the popular Nations League play a greater role in determining which teams qualify for major tournaments. The SFA is understood to be open to any innovation that is likely to excite supporters, recognising the need for evolution.
These discussions were expanded upon at the recent Euro 2028 launch event in London. The Football Association's chief executive, Mark Bullingham, was emphatic about the need for change. 'I think it’s really important to overhaul it,' he said. 'I think we need to keep looking at ways to make international football even better and there’s genuine appetite to do that.' FA chair Debbie Hewitt echoed this stance, warning that sticking with the current model would see it 'bent out of shape.'
Timeline and Euro 2028 Implications
Any radical change is unlikely to be implemented in time for Euro 2028, the 24-nation tournament to be jointly hosted by Scotland, England, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland. This means the new format would most likely debut for the qualification cycle for the 2030 World Cup, which will be predominantly held in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.
In separate Euro 2028 news, it was confirmed that Hampden Park in Glasgow will host six matches, including a quarter-final. Should Scotland qualify, they would play all their group games at the national stadium. Bullingham also confirmed that dynamic ticket pricing, controversially used by FIFA, will not be employed for the tournament, ensuring more accessible ticket prices for fans.
With 54 European nations vying for World Cup qualification, the drive to create a more compelling and unpredictable journey to the finals has never been stronger. The involvement of the SFA in these pivotal talks ensures Scotland has a voice in shaping the future of international football.
