Overview
- UEFA and CONCACAF began formal discussions on a combined Nations League that could feature up to 96 national teams and target a 2028 launch, according to multiple reports on Friday, August 21, 2026.
- The concept under study would keep a tiered, Nations League-style structure with group phases and knockouts and would try to use existing international windows for matches.
- The talks are driven in part by political friction with FIFA after Gianni Infantino proposed privatizing parts of the World Cup and by a desire to boost regular competitive games for North American sides.
- Proponents say the merger would give CONCACAF teams more high-level opponents and would let UEFA expand its commercial footprint in North America while sharing revenue across confederations.
- Discussions remain at an early stage with major questions unresolved, including final format, promotion and relegation mechanics, travel logistics, calendar congestion and whether FIFA approval will be required.