UEFA is taking significant steps towards reimagining the landscape of international football, as revealed by the formation of a new working group dedicated to examining potential reforms in the structure of major competitions. This initiative comes amid growing concerns that the current qualification formats for prestigious tournaments like the World Cup and the European Championship have become dull, predictable, and uninspiring for fans and broadcasters alike.
The establishment of this working group, championed by UEFA’s National Teams Competitions Committee and chaired by the president of the French Football Federation, Phillipe Diallo, signals a proactive approach to addressing these challenges. Comprising 28 members, including prominent figures such as FA chief executive Mark Bullingham and Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell, the committee aims to explore innovative solutions to enhance the excitement and competitiveness of international matches.
During a recent address at the Portugal Football Summit, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin acknowledged the need for evolution in the qualification processes, stating that while the European Championship format itself may remain intact, alterations to the qualifiers could significantly enhance viewer engagement. He expressed a commitment to maintaining the number of matches while introducing intriguing new formats to capture the interest of fans and stakeholders.
Historically, UEFA regularly evaluates its competitive formats, but the initiation of this internal review reflects a more urgent need for reform. The current framework, which features five international breaks annually—scheduled for March, June, September, October, and November—has drawn scrutiny for its efficacy. Starting with the 2025/26 season, international breaks are set to be adjusted, merging the September and October breaks into a consolidated three-week period, allowing national teams the opportunity to play up to four matches instead of just two.
The reform discussion is reminiscent of ideas proposed by influential figures such as Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s global chief of football development, who in 2021 suggested streamlining the number of international breaks to just one or two, pitched for October for an expansive month-long qualification session, or alternatively in October and March. Such proposals reflect a broader desire for more streamlined and engaging international fixtures that resonate better with fans.
Additionally, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has recently unleashed a wave of speculation by suggesting that World Cup finals could be consistently held during the European winter months. If adopted, this would result in an increased number of club fixtures during the summer, particularly in June, further complicating the calendar for leagues and clubs.
One of the more innovative options under discussion includes the possibility of implementing the Swiss model of qualification, a system currently utilized in UEFA’s club competitions such as the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League. In this format, teams would compete against a diverse array of opponents, leading to a singular league table rather than grouping them into separate pools. This method has been praised for its ability to maintain suspense and competitiveness, making outcomes less predictable.
Ceferin articulated the sentiment shared by many within the football community regarding the necessity of change. He remarked, “Everyone wants change, but no one wants to make it happen. The feedback indicates a desire for reform, yet the moment actionable steps are proposed, there tends to be hesitance.” This acknowledgment of the complexities involved in initiating change highlights the broader struggle within football governance.
Emphasizing the positive impact of the changes already made, he pointed out that previous formats often resulted in early knowledge of which teams would qualify, while current systems have nurtured an environment where surprises are possible, fostering a sense of unpredictability that is crucial in sustaining fan interest. His remarks underscored a commitment to evolving the international football landscape, ensuring that it remains dynamic and captivating for audiences worldwide.
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