UEFA Unveils New World Cup Qualifying Format Modeled After Champions League
UEFA has restructured European World Cup qualifying with a new two-league format inspired by the Champions League, dividing teams into League A and League B with automatic spots for top group finishers and playoff qualification for others.
The European Football Union (UEFA) has unveiled plans for a new format in the European zone qualifying rounds for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, divided into two leagues and modeled after the UEFA Champions League structure. All details are currently under refinement to finalize the framework.
The preliminary format divides teams into League A and League B. League A will feature the top 36 national teams split into three groups of 12 teams each. Every team will play six matches against six different opponents, with three home games and three away games. The best-ranked team from each of the three groups will automatically advance to the World Cup finals, with remaining qualification spots decided through playoffs. League B will similarly be divided into three groups, with teams also having the opportunity to secure spots in the World Cup finals.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin stated: "This new approach will help balance competition and make it more engaging and dynamic. At the same time, it ensures fair opportunities for all teams to qualify for the finals."
Additionally, UEFA announced that the UEFA Nations League will be restructured from its current four-league format to three leagues, with each league consisting of 18 teams divided into three groups of six teams each.
