The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is set to implement a new format for the European Football Championship qualifiers starting in 2028. This was announced on the organization’s official website on May 20th.
These changes will take effect from the 2028/29 season. Under the revised regulations, national teams will be divided into two divisions. The first division will comprise 36 teams from Leagues A and B of the Nations League, which will then be separated into three groups, each containing 12 participants. The second division will be made up of the remaining national teams, distributed into three groups, with each group consisting of either six or seven teams.
The group winners in the first division will secure direct qualification berths for the European Championship finals. The remaining spots in the tournament will be contested through playoff matches, featuring participants from the second division.
UEFA has indicated that the new qualification concept is expected to be finalized over the coming months. A detailed outline of the reform plan will be presented at the next meeting of the organization’s executive committee, scheduled for September.
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