Particle.news
Download on the App Store

UEFA Unveils Two-Tier, Champions League–Style Qualifying for 2030 World Cup

UEFA aims to cut one-sided qualifiers to boost fan interest without adding calendar dates.

Overview

  • UEFA’s executive committee proposed the overhaul Wednesday, with automatic slot allocations still to be set before a September vote.
  • The top 36 national teams would be split into three 12-team leagues, with each team playing six games against six different opponents drawn from seeding pots.
  • Teams ranked below the top group would play in a separate tier that keeps a playoff route to the World Cup and European Championship.
  • The Nations League would change in 2028–29 to three leagues of 18 teams, giving each team six matches against five opponents with promotion, relegation, and finals retained.
  • UEFA says the redesign answers complaints about lopsided scores such as France 14-0 Gibraltar and Austria 10-0 San Marino and keeps the schedule within existing international windows.