UEFA proposes Champions League-style format for 2030 World Cup qualifiers

UEFA is considering a major overhaul of the qualification format for the 2030 FIFA World Cup and future European Championships, with plans to introduce a system similar to the UEFA Champions League’s “Swiss model.”

Under the proposed structure, Europe’s traditional qualifying groups would be replaced with a league-style competition aimed at producing more competitive fixtures and reducing mismatches between stronger and weaker national teams.

The proposed format would see the 36 highest-ranked European teams placed in League A, divided into three groups of 12 teams. Rather than playing every team home and away, each country would face six different opponents during the qualification campaign.

Lower-ranked countries would compete in a separate League B setup, while playoff opportunities are expected to remain part of the qualification pathway for major tournaments.

According to the proposal, winners of the League A groups would qualify automatically for tournament finals.

Aleksander Čeferin said the reforms are designed to modernise European international football without expanding the current international calendar.

UEFA is expected to formally approve the changes during its executive committee meeting in September.

The reforms would also affect the UEFA Nations League beginning from the 2028/29 season.

Under the new proposal, the Nations League would move from its current four-tier system to three leagues of 18 teams each, with countries playing five different opponents during the league phase.

The qualification reforms would also impact preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Although Spain and Portugal are expected to qualify automatically as hosts, both nations would still participate in the qualification competition for Nations League-related objectives.