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AMAZING/ UEFA considers big change for qualifiers

2025-10-15 18:59:00, Sport CNA

UEFA is considering changing the current qualifying system for the European Championship and World Cup, with the aim of avoiding unequal matches and creating more high-level encounters between national teams. The news was reported by the French daily “L'Equipe”, according to which the highest institution of European football is discussing a new model for organizing qualifiers, inspired by the new format of the Champions League.

The main idea is to increase the level of competition by avoiding matches where the difference between teams is too large. This would bring more direct confrontations between the big teams, making the national team calendar more attractive for fans, media and commercial partners.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has previously mentioned this possibility, speaking of the need for a more modern and competitive format. Several options are currently being considered: one possibility is to use the Nations League as an alternative route for qualifying for major tournaments, while another envisages the creation of a single championship with 54 participating teams or their division into two groups of 27 teams each.

This system would allow for a greater number of matches between the big teams, without excluding the smaller national teams, which would still have the opportunity to compete in the qualifying stages. For UEFA, this model aims to maintain sporting equality, but at the same time offer stronger, more widely watched matches with greater media interest.

On the other hand, the change in format would also have a significant impact on the economy. A more attractive match calendar would increase the value of television rights and sponsorship contracts, bringing financial benefits to national federations and UEFA itself.

However, any such reforms are not expected to come into effect immediately. According to reports, any potential changes would only be implemented after 2028, when UEFA's current television and commercial contracts for the next competition cycle expire.

If approved, the new format would mark a significant change in the way qualifications for international tournaments are conducted, aiming for more competitive, balanced and economically sustainable football for all UEFA member countries.