UEFA schedule 'major review' of World Cup qualifying format

Cameron Smith

• 12 Oct 2025 18:08 BST
• 4 min read

News

UEFA are reportedly set to hold a “major review” of the current international qualifying format in Europe due to fears over diminishing interest from fans and broadcasters.

Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup will conclude during the November international break for countries in Europe, but the decision-makers at UEFA could opt to alter the current qualifying process for the next tournament.

That is according to The Times, who report that a meeting between the general secretaries of all 55 European federations took place in Malaga two weeks ago.

The council discussed the possibility of using the Nations League to determine which countries qualify for the World Cup and the European Championship, while the Swiss model format used in the Champions League was also raised as a potential solution.

An insider with knowledge of the situation told The Times: “Broadcast revenues and fan engagement around the international qualifiers have been going down but they have been going up in the Nations League.

“This has been looked at before but it is very difficult to find the right formula that keeps some jeopardy for the big nations and is competitive but gives smaller teams opportunities, too.”

UEFA have used the Women’s Nations League as the qualifying process for the women’s Euros, World Cup and Olympics since 2023, and there are discussions over whether it would be suitable to copy this formula across to the men’s game.

If UEFA opt to copy the current Champions League format, nations would reportedly play six or eight matches against a variety of opponents on one occasion, rather than a home and away tie.

UEFA are yet to decide whether or not they will alter the World Cup and European Championship qualifying process, but a “working group of National Teams Committee” has been formed to discuss the possible options.

What is the current UEFA qualifying format for the World Cup?

For the 2026 World Cup, each European nation was placed into a group with either three or four other countries.

They play each country twice - home and away - and the winner automatically qualifies for the World Cup.

The 12 runners-up and the four best Nations League group winners that finish outside the top two of their qualifying group will then be split into four play-off paths. The four winners will also qualify for the World Cup.

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