European Football · Tuesday, September 15, 2026
UEFA reforms qualifying format for 2026 and beyond
The European body adopts a new format inspired by the Champions League to boost the appeal of World Cup and Euro qualifying rounds.
By Editorial team
UEFA's executive committee ratifies on Tuesday in Thessaloniki a major reform of continental qualifications. The new format draws directly from the current Champions League system, aiming to strengthen the appeal of national team matches. This change will affect qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as future cycles. The goal: to ensure high-level encounters and reduce purely formal matches between European nations.