UEFA announces plans to introduce new qualifying format ahead of 2030 World Cup

UEFA has announced plans to introduce a Champions League-style format to national team qualification in Europe in time for the 2030 World Cup. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

UEFA has announced plans to introduce a Champions League-style format to national team qualification in Europe in time for the 2030 World Cup.

The 36 highest-ranked countries will be split into three groups of 12 in League A and will be drawn to play six of those teams, similar to the ‘Swiss system’ which was introduced in the new league phase of UEFA’s club competitions since the start of the 2024-25 season.