European Championship Qualifying to Embrace New Format

The European Championship qualifying rounds are on the verge of a significant transformation, with discussions underway to potentially adopt a Nations League-style format. This proposed change, which is expected to be implemented after Euro 2028, aims to revitalize the qualifying process and make it more appealing to fans and broadcasters alike.

According to sources, an adapted version of the Nations League format is currently the leading option among several alternatives being considered by UEFA. The plans were recently presented to UEFA’s national team competitions committee, and individual Football Associations will now deliberate on these proposals in smaller groups over the coming days. A final decision is anticipated from the UEFA executive committee in Istanbul, prior to the Europa League final next month.

Concerns have been mounting regarding the current qualifying formats for international competitions, which many view as unexciting for fans and television rights holders. The existing system has become somewhat routine, particularly for larger nations, especially since the expansion of finals spots for both the European Championships and World Cups. A working group, which includes the FA chief executive Mark Bullingham, has been exploring new options for several months, but achieving consensus across Europe may prove challenging.

One of the alternatives being discussed is a “Swiss system,” which has been utilized in the Champions League since last season. However, this format could lead to mismatches and is reportedly less favored by broadcasters. While it would ensure that smaller nations still have opportunities to play against bigger teams, it lacks the appeal of a model based on the Nations League.

The Nations League-style proposal is favored by many of Europe’s top footballing nations. If adopted, it would mirror the format currently used for women’s World Cup qualifying, which employs the latest Nations League rankings as a basis. This system divides teams into three leagues, further splitting each league into groups of four, ensuring that similarly-ranked teams compete against each other. Group winners from League A would qualify automatically, while an extended playoff system would determine additional qualifiers.

With 24 teams set to qualify for the European Championship, compared to the 11 UEFA teams that progress to the Women’s World Cup, it is likely that any new format approved by UEFA will allow for more direct qualifiers. The Nations League-style scheme would cater to the demand for matches between leading countries, although there are concerns that teams lower down the rankings may feel marginalized—a topic that is expected to be a focal point in discussions among federations this week.

Maintaining the current system will also be on the table for discussion, but this option is particularly unappealing to nations like England, who have only lost once in qualifying campaigns for major tournaments since 2009 and feel that the existing system has become stale. While there will be no increase in the number of matches played, sources familiar with the discussions believe that the logistics of any changes, including agreements with broadcasters, are unlikely to be finalized before the qualifying rounds for Euro 2028 commence next March.