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UEFA is considering sweeping changes to the European Championship qualifying format in a bid to reignite public enthusiasm and boost television audiences, which have dipped in recent campaigns.
According to reports from UEFA headquarters in Nyon, the governing body is exploring a new structure that would introduce smaller qualifying groups, high-stakes mini-tournaments, and potentially even intercontinental playoff matches to restore the competitive drama that once defined the tournament’s build-up.
The move comes after internal reviews revealed that fan engagement during the Euro 2024 qualifiers was significantly lower than expected, with many matches viewed as predictable and lacking suspense due to the tournament’s expanded 24-team format.
A senior UEFA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “The quality of football remains high, but the excitement has diminished. Too many matches feel like foregone conclusions. We need a system that creates intensity, jeopardy and moments fans will remember.”
One proposal under discussion would see smaller qualifying groups of four or five teams instead of the traditional six. This would mean fewer matches but higher stakes, ensuring that every point matters. Another idea being weighed is a ‘qualification week’ format, where several decisive matches are played across Europe simultaneously — similar to the Champions League’s knockout drama.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has reportedly expressed interest in using the Nations League as a gateway to Euro qualification, blending the two competitions to create a more cohesive and engaging calendar. “We are listening to fans,” Čeferin told European broadcasters recently. “They want excitement and meaningful games, not predictable results.”
Broadcasters and sponsors have also pressed UEFA to make the qualifying phase more attractive, citing a decline in global viewing figures outside major footballing nations. Attendance at lower-profile fixtures has suffered too, particularly in smaller venues where fans feel their teams have little chance of progressing.
However, critics warn that constant tinkering with formats risks confusing supporters and diminishing the prestige of qualification itself. Football historian Jonathan Wilson said, “Part of the beauty of the qualifiers was always their simplicity. Every nation, big or small, had a clear path. If UEFA overcomplicates it, they could alienate the very fans they’re trying to win back.”
Smaller nations have voiced mixed reactions. While some see the revamp as a chance to play more meaningful matches, others fear being marginalised if the system prioritises larger markets and television ratings.
UEFA is expected to unveil a draft of the proposed structure in 2026, with implementation likely to follow for the Euro 2032 qualifiers.
For many observers, the challenge is balancing commercial reality with sporting fairness. As Čeferin himself admitted: “We want to make the qualifiers more exciting, but we must protect the spirit of open competition — that’s what makes European football unique.”
