UEFA Considering Changes to the European Championship Qualifying Format
European football could soon see another major reform. According to several media reports, UEFA is studying the possibility of changing the format of the European Championship qualifiers. While the number of games would likely remain the same, the governing body is exploring ways to make the qualifying process more competitive and engaging.
Why UEFA Wants a Change
Over the past few years, UEFA officials have reportedly grown concerned about declining public interest in qualifiers. Many top teams easily dominate weaker nations, leading to predictable results and low viewership numbers.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin recently acknowledged this issue, noting that the organization is evaluating "new formats" that could make qualification “more exciting” while still keeping the tournament inclusive.
The discussions are still in the early stages, but insiders say the key idea is to reduce meaningless matches and increase the number of high-quality games between competitive teams.
Possible New Formats
UEFA is reportedly considering several options for how the new qualifying phase might look:
| Model | How It Works | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Integration with Nations League | Qualification and Nations League games could be partially combined, where group performance affects qualification. | Fewer low-stakes games and more variety of opponents. |
| Swiss Model (used in new Champions League) | Teams play a fixed number of matches against opponents of similar strength, ranked in one big table. | Creates more balanced fixtures but adds scheduling complexity. |
| Hybrid Group System | Fewer groups with inter-group matches or dynamic rankings. | Keeps some traditional structure but increases competitiveness. |
The Swiss model appears to be the most intriguing proposal. It would replace the current group stage with a single, large table — similar to the format that will debut in the Champions League 2024/25. Each national team would play a limited number of matches against opponents with a similar coefficient, followed by playoffs or rankings to decide who qualifies.
What Stays the Same
Čeferin emphasized that the final tournament itself — the Euros — is not expected to change. The reform would apply only to the qualifying process, not the main event.
This means that the Euros would continue to host 24 teams, and the structure of the knockout rounds would remain intact.
FootyRoom’s Take
At FootyRoom, we believe UEFA’s initiative makes sense. The current qualifying cycle has lost much of its thrill — most matches are easy to predict, and for top nations, the challenge begins only once they reach the finals.
A Swiss-style qualification system could solve several issues: it would create more meaningful fixtures, give mid-level teams a fairer chance to progress, and keep fans engaged throughout the campaign.
However, UEFA must tread carefully. The beauty of international football lies in its inclusivity — even the smallest nations deserve the chance to compete against Europe’s elite. Any new format should balance competitiveness with fairness, ensuring that underdogs aren’t locked out of major tournaments.
One thing is certain: UEFA’s reform discussions are part of a broader trend in modern football — a push for innovation to maintain global attention. If implemented correctly, this new system could redefine the way national teams fight for a place at the Euros.
Published by Patrick Jane
12.10.2025