At the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, there are said to be concerns that the current qualification model for European Championships and World Cups in Europe is too boring. Recently, all 55 UEFA member states have put their heads together, and the result of that meeting is that alternatives to the current group stages are now being looked at. On top of the pile would therefore be the system that we now know from the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. All countries would end up in one large ranking, and a computer-controlled draw would result in an approximately equal draw against a certain number of opponents for each country. There are still some things to be filled in about the distribution of the placement, with a view to, among other things, possible play-offs and of course the Nations League. A possible new system does not seem to be ready for use in qualifying for Euro 2028. UEFA has determined in May this year that pools will be used again for the next European final round. Qualification for Euro 2028 will start after next summer's World Cup, so in the autumn of 2026.
It was announced in May that the EURO 2028 qualifiers would start in March 2027. I don't think the current format needs changing because it has a balance between more competitive games in the UNL while retaining the All Can Play All principle in the European Qualifiers. Entering the final two matchdays of 2026 WC qualifiers only one team has qualified while the other 11 automatic qualifying places and all 12 group runners-up places are still to play for next month. What is boring about that?
A good idea I saw in another thread is - using the Swiss model - 3 groups of 18 teams each, with the teams seeded into 6 draw pots of 9 teams each and 3 teams from each pot drawn into each group. To ensure a balanced fixture list for all, each team plays 6 opponents, one from each of the 6 draw pots (including their own like in the UEFA club competitions). For the 2030 WC, the 4 highest-ranked teams in the 3 groups qualify automatically, with playoffs for the other 4 places (adjustments to be made for Spain and Portugal as hosts).
I don't like Swiss-system formats, they are too complex to understand and follow. I do love 3-vs-3 group formats, but only for month-long tournaments. UEFA should do a first tier with six groups of six teams, and a second tier with the remaining 18 teams. Then make a parachute-style playoffs, which is probably the greatest invention by the UEFA.
Well, UEFA have decided how it will work for 2030(2032 etc)……………needs a bit more clarity IMO. https://www.uefa.com/uefanationslea...r-men-s-national-team-competitions-as-of-202/