UEFA Approves New Nations League and EURO Qualifying Format

21 May 2026, 11:14

Фото: UEFA

The UEFA Executive Committee approved a new competition structure for men’s national teams during the meeting in Istanbul. The updated formats for the UEFA Nations League and the European Qualifiers will be introduced following UEFA EURO 2028.

During the league phase, teams will play six matches against five different opponents. National teams will play one home or away match against teams from different pots, as well as two matches — home and away — against an opponent from their own pot.

With 55 national teams participating, League C will include one group of seven teams, with matches in that group starting one international window earlier. The quarter-finals, the four-team finals tournament and the promotion and relegation play-offs will remain in place.

The changes will also affect the European Qualifiers. The new format will introduce a multi-tier structure, with League 1 consisting of the 36 teams from Leagues A and B of the UEFA Nations League, while League 2 will include the remaining 18 or 19 national teams.

League 1 will feature three groups of 12 teams divided into three pots. Each national team will play six home or away matches against six different opponents — two from each pot. This system will follow a format similar to UEFA club competitions.

Host countries that automatically qualify for the final tournament will also participate in the qualifying campaign. This will help determine their position for the next edition of the UEFA Nations League.

The top teams from each League 1 group will qualify directly for the final tournament. The remaining places will be decided through a play-off system, providing additional qualification opportunities for teams from League 2.

According to UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, the new formats are aimed at improving competitive balance, reducing the number of matches with little competitive significance and increasing fan interest. At the same time, the changes will not require additional dates in the international match calendar.

The UEFA Executive Committee also approved the extension of the Standing Facilities Observer Programme for the 2026/27 season. Associations that have already participated in the programme will be permitted to use standing facilities in all UEFA competitions, including the qualifying rounds of club competitions.

In addition, the meeting approved several UEFA regulations, including documents related to the UEFA European Championship 2026–28, the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, the 2026/27 UEFA Futsal Champions League, club licensing and financial sustainability regulations, disciplinary regulations, organisational regulations and other competition matters.

The concept of the new formats will continue to be refined in the coming months. The detailed format is expected to be submitted for final approval at the next UEFA Executive Committee meeting, scheduled for September 15, 2026.