The UEFA Executive Committee convened in Istanbul to discuss significant changes to the men’s national team competitions, set to take effect in 2028. This new structure aims to enhance competition and ensure fair opportunities for all participating teams.
New 2028 Concept for Men’s National Team Competitions
Following a comprehensive review and consultations with member associations, UEFA will transition to a new format for the UEFA Nations League (UNL) starting in the 2028/29 season. The existing four-league system will shift to three leagues, each comprising 18 teams. This transformation is part of a broader strategy to optimize tournament dynamics.
Structure of the New Format
- Each league will consist of three groups of six teams.
- Teams will play six matches against five different opponents.
- League C will accommodate one group of seven teams starting one match window earlier.
- The format includes quarter-finals, a Final Four, and promotion/relegation play-offs.
Highlighting the competitive balance, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin emphasized the need to minimize uncompetitive matches. This structure is designed to enhance fan engagement while maintaining a balanced international calendar. Participating teams will benefit from fair qualification processes.
European Qualifiers Revamp
The European Qualifiers will also adopt a tiered structure. The leagues will be divided as follows:
- League 1: 36 teams from UNL Leagues A and B.
- League 2: The remaining 18 or 19 teams.
League 1 will feature three groups of 12 teams, drawn from three pots. Each team will engage in six matches against six different opponents. League 2 will follow a similar arrangement as League C, presenting groups of six or seven teams.
Hosts will qualify directly for the final tournament but will also participate in the European Qualifiers based on their standing in the UEFA Nations League. The most successful teams in League 1 will secure direct entry, while spots will be filled through play-offs to ensure equitable chances for all teams.
Future Meetings
Further refinement of this new format will proceed in the coming months. The UEFA Executive Committee will reconvene on September 15, 2026, in Thessaloniki, Greece, to finalize the details.
This initiative represents UEFA’s commitment to enhancing the quality and competitiveness of men’s national team football. As updates unfold, UEFA aims to present a comprehensive analysis during the media conference scheduled post-committee meeting.
