UEFA is preparing to introduce a radical structural change to international competitions by applying the Swiss model currently used in the UEFA Champions League to the UEFA Nations League and European qualifiers.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, UEFA is expected to ratify the new format during its upcoming meeting in Thessaloniki, with implementation scheduled to begin in 2028.
The proposal features top 36 European national teams competing in a unified single league phase, where each team plays six fixtures instead of facing every opponent in the pool.
Participating nations will be divided into three tiers, with each team competing against opponents across different tiers through three home and three away matches.
Results across all fixtures will be compiled into a single league table, with the final matchday played simultaneously to preserve competitive integrity and prevent unfair scheduling advantages.
The reform will not be limited to the UEFA Nations League, expanding to encompass qualification pathways for both the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship to increase high-profile competitive fixtures.
The structural pivot aligns with broader changes to the international calendar, including the introduction of a expanded 15-day September international window featuring four matches alongside the elimination of the separate October break.
UEFA considers the existing qualification format predictable and commercially underperforming due to competitive imbalance, relying on the proven Champions League format to drive enhanced broadcast value and competitive excitement.
