Single matches and larger groups, UEFA Champions League-like scheme in World Cup and European qualifiers

European and World Cup qualifiers

UEFA is planning a major change to the format of national team competitions, including European Championship, World Cup and Nations League qualifiers. Under the new model, which has been presented to associations in recent days, the system will be aligned with the formula currently used in club competitions such as the Champions League.

The most significant change is in the way the qualifying matches will be played. Instead of a home-and-away format in the group stage, teams will play each other once, either home or away. The groups will be larger, with each team playing different opponents in a format similar to the Swiss system.

The Nations League will also undergo significant changes. The current four-league format will be replaced by three leagues with 18 teams each. Each league will be divided into three groups of six teams. Teams will play six matches against five different opponents, playing each team once, either home or away.

Due to the total number of 55 participating associations, League C will have a group of seven teams, which will start matches earlier than the others. Meanwhile, the quarter-finals, the Final Four phase and the play-offs for promotion or relegation will remain unchanged.

There will also be changes to the World Cup qualifiers. UEFA aims to create a two-division system: League 1 and League 2. League 1 will include the 36 national teams from Leagues A and B of the Nations League, while League 2 will consist of the remaining 18 or 19 teams.

Ligue 1 will be divided into three groups of 12 teams, drawn from three different pots. Each team will play six matches against six different opponents, two from each pot, following the new model of European club competitions.

Meanwhile, League 2 will be organised in a similar way to League C of the Nations League, with three groups of six teams or one group of seven teams. The winners of the groups in League 1 will secure direct qualification, while the other places will be determined through a play-off phase, giving smaller teams the opportunity to aim for qualification.

According to UEFA's plan, the new format is expected to come into effect from the 2028-2029 season, immediately after the end of "EURO 2028".

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