UEFA is exploring a radical restructuring of the men's European Championship qualifying process, with an adapted Nations League format emerging as the leading candidate, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The proposed changes, presented to UEFA's national team competitions committee on Tuesday, are expected to be implemented after Euro 2028.
Key Takeaways
- New Format: A Nations League-style system could replace the traditional group qualifying phase.
- Timeline: Changes likely take effect after Euro 2028, with a final decision expected before the Europa League final in Istanbul.
- Consultation: National associations will review the proposal in small groups before a UEFA executive committee vote.
What's Being Proposed
The revamp mirrors the approach used for the Women's World Cup, where teams are divided into leagues based on performance, with promotion and relegation. Under the proposed men's system, Euro qualifying would be streamlined into a more competitive, merit-based structure, reducing the number of dead-rubber matches and increasing stakes for all teams. The Guardian first reported the plans.
Why the Change?
Current qualifying, which sees 55 teams split into groups, has been criticized for predictability and lopsided fixtures. A Nations League-style format would ensure more competitive matches, with teams playing opponents of similar strength. This could boost fan engagement and TV revenue, while also providing a clearer path for smaller nations to reach major tournaments.
What Happens Next
UEFA's national team competitions committee will now seek feedback from individual football associations. After smaller group discussions, a final decision will be made by the UEFA executive committee in Istanbul, just before the Europa League final. If approved, the new format would be introduced for the Euro 2032 qualifying cycle.
Infographic: Proposed Euro Qualifying Changes
- Current Format: 10 groups of 5-6 teams, top two qualify
- Proposed Format: 3-4 leagues with promotion/relegation, mini-tournaments for final spots
- Key Benefit: More meaningful matches for all nations
- Potential Impact: Reduced fixture congestion, increased competitive balance
UEFA has not officially commented, but insiders suggest the change is driven by a desire to modernize the competition and align with the success of the Nations League, which has revitalized international football since its launch in 2018. The move could also address concerns about player workload, as fewer qualifying matches would be required.
For more on UEFA's evolving competitions, see our analysis of European Championship history and the Nations League impact.