UEFA has begun an ambitious review of international football formats. Further yet, they’ve created a joint working group to review the format of qualifying for both the World Cup and European Championships. The unexpected news emerged at a special meeting of the general secretaries of 55 European national football federations in Spain last week. It responds to complaints that the existing model is not generating enough interest among fans and television partners.
The expanded qualifying system now consists of 55 European countries divided into 12 groups. Only group winners automatically earn their spot in the tournaments. The latter four positions are determined via region-specific play-ins. Complimentary to this scenario, UEFA’s National Teams Competitions Committee will look for ways to reshape this format to make it more attractive.
Current Qualifying Format Under Scrutiny
Indeed, as it is currently set up, the qualifying structure has been widely panned for lack of drama and excitement. UEFA is hoping to implement reforms that will re-energize interest by fans and TV networks in equal measure. Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA President, supports the call for reform and noted that a few years ago, such a drastic and sweeping change seems nearly impossible.
“Everyone wants change, but no one wants to make it happen. People said something had to be done, but the moment you try to do it, they tell you ‘no, no, no’,” – Aleksander Ceferin
England’s national team serves as a case study in the current system’s shortcomings. Yet they have made it to each and every one of the big tournaments this century, bar one – Euro 2008. England have been incredibly proficient in qualifiers during the last two decades, being defeated just seven times. Indeed, their home World Cup qualifier record is so damning that they have only lost four such matches at home in 30 years.
Proposed Changes to International Breaks
Alongside this reevaluation of qualifying formats, there have been renewed discussions about the need for international breaks. Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s global chief of football development, has a radical suggestion. He suggests reducing breaks from five to one or two per season. Right now, March, June, September, October, and November are all international fixture window months.
It will cause drastic disruption for the clubs in the 2025/26 season. The negative impacts of the worst-packed schedule imaginable. Three international breaks are set to fall within only three months. In an unprecedented move, FIFA has called an end to the September and October breaks. National teams that compete will at least have one lodging, three-week period where they are able to play four matches rather than just two!
The potential reduction of international breaks could enhance player preparation for their club commitments while still allowing national teams adequate time to compete on the world stage.
The Quest for a New Format
The task force set up by UEFA will also look at other formats to replace the traditional qualification format. Ceferin reiterated here that he’s not expecting any amendments to the European Championship. He said changes to the qualifying rounds are certainly on the table.
“I don’t think the European Championship itself will change but perhaps the qualifiers could be different. There won’t be more matches but a more interesting format. We’re thinking about that right now,” – Aleksander Ceferin
As conversations move forward, advocates carefully from all corners of the football community will be watching these changes with great interest. The goal remains clear: to create a more dynamic and engaging international football experience that captivates players and fans alike.
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