UEFA Set to Overhaul World Cup and Euro Qualifiers with Swiss-System Format
UEFA is set to approve a Swiss-style format for World Cup and Euro qualifiers, replacing traditional groups with a 36-team league phase to boost competitiveness and excitement.
European football is facing a significant transformation. Today (Tuesday) in Thessaloniki, Greece, UEFA is reportedly set to approve the new format for World Cup and Euro qualifiers, based on the Swiss-system currently used in the Champions League.
The change, UEFA hopes, will increase interest in the early stages. Instead of the traditional group stage, a single league will be established featuring 36 of the continent's top national teams. Each team will play six matches against opponents of varying levels, determined by a draw across three pots, divided between home and away games.
This shift follows a growing sense within UEFA that the current qualification format for major tournaments has become monotonous and insufficiently competitive. In contrast, the Swiss-system proved successful in the Champions League, particularly in the final matchdays where small goal-difference margins can dramatically alter standings.
Simultaneously, UEFA is rolling out another calendar revolution. Later this month, the first-ever double international break will take place: matches will be held over two consecutive weekends, with each team playing four games instead of two. Consequently, October will be cleared of national team fixtures, leaving only two breaks for the rest of the year instead of three.
Additionally, UEFA is expected to announce the host stadiums for upcoming European finals, with the 2029 Champions League final widely anticipated to take place at Camp Nou. These sweeping changes unfold amid an ongoing tug-of-war between UEFA and FIFA, ahead of upcoming leadership elections in both organizations next year.
