UEFA has unveiled a groundbreaking overhaul of the Nations League and European Championship qualifying structures, drawing inspiration from the Champions League model. While final details are still being refined through consultations, the new system is slated for implementation following the EURO 2028 tournament.
Key Changes to UEFA Formats
The Nations League will undergo a transformation for the 2028-29 season, moving from its current four-league setup to a more streamlined three-league system, each comprising 18 teams. These leagues will be divided into three groups of six teams. Each team will play six matches against five distinct opponents, with an even split between home and away fixtures, mirroring the competitive approach seen in the Champions League to ensure varied opposition.
The existing quarter-finals, Final Four, and promotion/relegation play-offs are expected to remain in place.
Similarly, the European Qualifiers will adopt a tiered structure. Participating teams will play six home or away matches against six different opponents. Host nations will continue to compete in the qualifiers, with their performance influencing their subsequent Nations League standings.
Direct qualification for the final tournament will be awarded to the top-ranked teams in each League A group. The remaining spots will be determined through play-offs, designed to provide equitable qualification opportunities for teams across all leagues, including those in League B.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin highlighted the anticipated benefits of these changes: “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.” He added, “Altogether, the changes will grow the value of UEFA men’s national team football and we are very much looking forward to the implementation of the new competition systems.”