UEFA has unveiled a major overhaul of the Nations League and European Championship qualifying processes, drawing inspiration from the Champions League model. While the exact details are still being finalized through consultations, these new formats are slated for implementation following the EURO 2028 tournament.
Key Changes to UEFA’s New Format:
Beginning with the 2028-29 season, the Nations League will transition from its current four-league structure to a system of three leagues, each comprising 18 national teams. Within these leagues, teams will be divided into three groups of six. Each team will play six matches against five different opponents, alternating between home and away fixtures. This approach mirrors the Champions League’s strategy to diversify matchups and avoid repetitive games.
The established quarter-finals, Final Four, and promotion/relegation play-offs will continue to be part of the Nations League framework.
The European Qualifiers will also undergo a transformation, adopting a tiered structure. Similar to the Nations League, teams will play six home or away matches against six distinct opponents. Host nations, even though directly qualified for the final tournament, will still participate in the qualifiers to influence their subsequent Nations League standings.
Direct qualification for the final tournament will be awarded to the top-ranked teams in each League 1 group. The remaining berths will be determined through a play-off system, designed to ensure equitable qualification opportunities for teams from League 2 as well.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin stated that the new formats are intended to improve competitive balance, reduce the number of inconsequential matches, and offer a more captivating and dynamic experience for fans, all while maintaining fair qualification pathways for all teams without extending the international calendar. He added that these changes will elevate the value of UEFA men’s national team football.
