Uefa Revamps 2030 World Cup Qualifying with Two-Tier System for Nations
Uefa has announced a significant overhaul of the qualification process for the 2030 World Cup, introducing a two-tier system that separates major football nations from smaller ones like San Marino, Gibraltar, and Andorra. This change aims to eliminate uncompetitive matches that critics have long decried. Under the new structure: The top 36 countries, determined by the 2028 Nations League, will form League 1, divided into three groups of 12. The remaining 18 nations will compete in a separate League 2, providing them with a better chance to achieve favorable results. Qualification has been redesigned to resemble the Champions League format, where: All teams will play six matches against six different opponents, with two teams drawn from each pot. This is a shift from the previous format, where teams faced all group opponents home and away. The best-ranked teams in League 1 will secure spots in the World Cup, while remaining slots will be filled through playoffs. Details regarding the distribution of automatic slots have yet to be confirmed. Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin emphasized that these new formats will enhance competitive balance, minimize non-competitive matches, and provide a more exciting experience for fans, all while maintaining the current international calendar. Additionally, the Nations League will undergo restructuring starting in 2028, featuring three divisions of 18 teams, with each division containing three groups of six. Teams will still play six matches against five different opponents, maintaining promotion and relegation dynamics.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-05-20