Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe format aims to improve competitive balance and reduce 'dead matches’ (Lars Baron/Getty Images)UEFA is set to introduce a Champions League-style qualification format for European national teams ahead of the 2030 World Cup. The new system will place the 36 highest-ranked countries into three groups of 12 in League A, utilising a 'Swiss system' where teams play six opponents. League A group winners will secure direct qualification for the Euro or World Cup finals, with other spots decided via play-offs involving teams from both League A and League B. The format aims to improve competitive balance, reduce 'dead matches', and create a more dynamic competition without increasing the number of international fixtures. Additionally, UEFA plans to revise the Nations League from the 2028-29 edition, moving to three leagues of 18 teams each, divided into three groups of six. In fullUefa confirms major changes to European qualifiers and Nations LeagueThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
What to know about the new European qualifiers and Nations League changes
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe format aims to improve competitive balance and reduce 'dead matches’ (Lars Baron/Getty Images)UEFA is set to introduce a Champions League-style qualification format for European national teams ahead of the 2030 World Cup. The new system will place the 36 highest-ranked countries into three groups of 12 in League A, utilising a 'Swiss system' where teams play six opponents. League A group winners will secure direct qualification for the Euro or World Cup finals, with other spots decided via play-offs involving teams from both League A and League B. The format aims to improve competitive balance, reduce 'dead matches', and create a more dynamic competition without increasing the number of international fixtures. Additionally, UEFA plans to revise the Nations League from the 2028-29 edition, moving to three leagues of 18 teams each, divided into three groups of six. In fullUefa confirms major changes to European qualifiers and Nations LeagueThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
